The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs convened on Thursday to screen various nominees for career and non-career ambassadorial appointments, a process that unfolded with significant drama and procedural clashes, particularly concerning some high-profile and controversial figures.

Among the notable individuals screened were Professor Yakubu Mahmood, a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former governor of Enugu State; and Okezie Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia State. Other prominent nominees included Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation; Reno Omokri, a former presidential spokesperson; Ibok-Ete Ibas, former sole administrator of Rivers State; Femi Pedro, a former deputy governor of Lagos State; Florence Ajimobi, widow of the late Oyo State governor Abiola Ajimobi; Angela Adebayo, former Ekiti State First Lady; Abdulrahman Dambazzau, former Minister of Interior; and Ita Enang, a former Akwa-Ibom Senator.

The screening sessions, held in batches at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly in Abuja, were largely characterized by a "take a bow and go" approach. Despite the public prominence and past controversies associated with several nominees, none were subjected to extensive questioning. Each nominee offered a brief self-introduction before being granted the traditional privilege of simply taking a bow and leaving.

However, the smooth flow of the proceedings was dramatically interrupted during the screening of Reno Omokri, whose nomination had already triggered widespread criticism due to his long history of vocal opposition and sharp critiques against President Bola Tinubu. Mr. Omokri had, at one point, controversially described President Tinubu as a "drug baron" in an interview, leading many to question the suitability of someone who had relentlessly attacked the President to represent Nigeria diplomatically. This particular issue, however, was not directly raised by the committee.

The session became tense when Senators Ali Ndume (Borno South) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) engaged in a heated verbal confrontation over Mr. Omokri’s suitability and parliamentary procedure. The drama began after Senator Ndume, a former Senate Leader, moved that all five nominees in that batch, including Omokri and four career diplomats, be asked to "take a bow and go," citing his personal respect for Omokri. Ndume firmly insisted that his motion had to be seconded before any further contributions could be entertained, objecting when other senators attempted to speak or amend his motion.

Senator Oshiomhole, however, insisted on speaking, stating the need to address the matter in the "public interest" regarding Omokri, referring to the widespread "stories" and past criticisms. Ndume vehemently countered, asserting, "You can’t work on stories; there is no petition before the committee. The senate is not a joke." A procedural disagreement quickly escalated into a full-blown shouting match, with Ndume protesting that Oshiomhole could not speak until the motion was seconded, and Oshiomhole firing back, "You have no power to shut me down!" The chairman, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, struggled repeatedly to restore order as voices rose across the room.

During the heated exchange, Oshiomhole praised President Tinubu, describing him as a pragmatist "not detained by old feelings, doubts, suspicion" and lauded his "large heart" for considering individuals who had previously criticized him. Oshiomhole argued that Omokri had demonstrated a willingness to reassess his political positions based on "compelling evidence" and in the interest of the Nigerian nation. Ndume, in turn, interjected with a pointed remark about former governors struggling to secure Senate seats, further heightening the tension.

Despite the procedural and personal clashes, Senator Onowakpo Thomas eventually rose to second Ndume's original motion. Consequently, all five nominees, including Omokri, were asked to "take a bow and go." This privilege was also extended to other nominees, such as former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Victor Okezie; former Lagos deputy governor Olufemi Pedro; Senators Grace Bent and Nora Ladi Daduut; former Defence Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau; former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; Chief Femi Fani-Kayode; Prof. Isaac Adewole; and Florence Ajimobi.

Separately, Femi Fani-Kayode also carries a history of controversies, including allegations of domestic abuse and publicly berating a journalist. He had also faced charges of forging and procuring fake medical certificates, although he was discharged and acquitted on all counts by the Lagos State High Court on February 4, 2025, after a four-year trial.

Chairman Bello later clarified that the "take a bow and go" treatment was reserved for categories traditionally granted that privilege by the Senate. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reinforced that this gesture did not equate to automatic confirmation, emphasizing that approval by the full Senate was still required. The dramatic events of Thursday underscored the deepening political tensions, rivalries, and differing interpretations of Senate procedure shaping the high-stakes confirmation process for President Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees.