By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

There was a heated argument on Thursday during the screening of ambassadorial nominees by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs between Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, and his Edo North counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole, who engaged in unpleasant exchanges over the suitability of Reno Omokri for a diplomatic posting.

Reno Omokri, who once served as spokesperson to former president Goodluck Jonathan, appeared before the lawmakers alongside four career ambassadorial nominees for screening–Femi Fani Kayode, Dambazau, Yakubu Mahmoud, and others.

Customarily, the nominees would have themselves introduced one by one in preparation for questioning.

Soon after, Mr Ndume, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), moved a motion for Mr Omokri and the other nominees to “take a bow and go.”

The statement above: “take a bow and go” is a parliamentary tradition that effectively waives rigorous questioning.

The Borno lawmaker explained that he had known Mr Omokri for over 25 years, assuring that he is suitable for the position

Committee Chairman Sani Bello, who represents Niger North, called for the motion to be seconded.

However, when it was time to do so, Mr Oshiomhole objected, stating that he preferred to comment on the nominees rather than second the motion.

His stance infuriated Mr Ndume, who asked him to allow another senator to second the motion and to reserve his comments.

This disagreement quickly escalated into a rowdy confrontation, with both lawmakers trading insults.

Mr Oshiomhole told his colleagues not to pretend as if there is no controversy surrounding Mr Omokri’s nomination.

Mr Ndume called Mr Oshiomhole a “tout,” while the latter shot back, saying he would not dignify a “hypocrite” with a response.

However, in the bid to justify his choice of commenting on the nomination of Omokri, the former Edo State Governor, Oshiomhole, said:

“I will proudly say I was a governor, which is the head of a sub-national government, and so when I talk, those who have not been governor should listen.”

Controversy Surrounding Omokri’s Appointment

Over the years, Mr Omokri has built a reputation as an outspoken critic of successive Nigerian governments.

During the 2023 presidential election cycle, he was one of President Bola Tinubu’s most vocal detractors, even once labelling him a “drug baron” in international media, a remark that resurfaced and fuelled debate following his nomination.

Moreover, the same Mr. Omokri had once stated on ‘The Mic’ show usually anchored by Seun Okinbaloye that he will not work with the administration of president Tinubu, as it’s not part of his principles to work with such person as a president with questionable character.

His inclusion on Mr Tinubu’s list of ambassadorial nominees triggered significant controversy, with many Nigerians questioning whether someone who spent years attacking the president and suddenly supporting the current administration is fit to represent Nigeria on the global stage.

Ndume’s Hypocrisy

On 6 December, Mr Ndume, a known critic of Mr Tinubu, faulted the list of ambassadorial nominees forwarded to the Senate, arguing that the composition violated the federal character principle. The principle mandates equitable distribution of government appointments, resources, and opportunities across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic, regional, and religious groups.

However, during the screening, the senator did not act in line with his earlier criticism of the president’s list. Instead, he appeared to support the nominees.

Away from the analysis made above, some Nigerians have noted that Mr. Omokri, if screened successfully, will be working in the best interest of Nigeria as a country and not the administration of president Tinubu.

Therefore, the Nigerian Tracker News is asking:

Is Mr. Omokri qualified to serve as Nigeria’s Ambassador? If Yes: On what basis should he be allowed to serve as Nigeria’s Ambassador? If No: Why?