By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
A sharp disagreement between Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume on Thursday forced the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to suspend its ambassadorial screening after the session deteriorated into a heated procedural dispute.
The confrontation occurred during the appearance of the second batch of nominees, including author and political commentator Reno Omokri.
Trouble began shortly after the nominees introduced themselves, when Senator Ali Ndume moved that all five candidates “take a bow and go,” citing Senate tradition.
Before the motion could be seconded, Senator Abdul Ningi sought recognition to speak on a nominee from his state.
Senator Mohammed Onawo also attempted to amend the motion.
Ndume objected, arguing that no further contributions could be taken until his motion was seconded or withdrawn.
The situation escalated when Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Bello recognised Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Ndume strongly protested, insisting that Oshiomhole could not speak while an unresolved motion was on the floor.
Oshiomhole refused to yield, asserting that the chair had correctly recognised him.
The exchange quickly became heated, with both senators raising their voices and accusing each other of violating procedure.
Repeated appeals for order by the chairman failed, prompting him to suspend the session temporarily.
When calm returned, Oshiomhole proceeded with his remarks on the nominees and commended President Bola Tinubu for including individuals with diverse political backgrounds.
Ndume continued to insist on proper procedure until Senator Onowakpo Thomas eventually seconded his motion.
Following the resolution of the dispute, the committee directed all five nominees to take a bow and go, in line with longstanding practice for former public officials and prominent figures.
Several additional nominees were later cleared under the same protocol, including former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu, former Lagos deputy governor Femi Pedro, former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and former Defence Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau.
Committee Chairman Bello later clarified that the courtesy extended to the nominees fell within categories traditionally recognised by the Senate.
Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele added that the “take a bow” gesture does not amount to confirmation until adopted by the full Senate.
Meanwhile, Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the chamber would prioritise verifiable track records over certificates in assessing ambassadorial nominees.
He dismissed reports of tension between the Senate and the Presidency over the recent withdrawal of police orderlies attached to VIPs, saying lawmakers only demanded uniform enforcement.
Also on Thursday, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin announced the receipt of President Tinubu’s 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper.
The document, which outlines revenue projections, macroeconomic assumptions and spending priorities, was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for review and submission of its report by December 17.
