Nigerian Senate Screens Ambassadorial Nominees on Wednesday
The Nigerian Senate Wednesday screened three ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu, including former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke whose nomination sparked outrage amid 2017 “Ikoyi-apartment cash scandal”
Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), also screened Kayode Are (Ogun State) and Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa State)
The embattled Ambassadorial nominee, Oke during the screening presented official court documents confirming that he has been fully cleared of past allegations. This was after Senators Ali Ndume and Henry Seriake Dickson have both raised concerns of his nomination.
Meanwhile, Senator Bello, the committee’s chairman confirmed that he was satisfied with the document and Oke’s explanation.
Recall that Oke’s career in intelligence and diplomacy spans several decades. He served as the Director-General of the NIA from 2013 to 2017 and held multiple diplomatic postings, including representing Nigeria at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.
He is widely regarded for his knowledge of intelligence operations and international relations, and his supporters say his extensive experience qualifies him for a non-career ambassadorial appointment.
Oke’s past came under public scrutiny in 2017, when authorities discovered large sums of cash in a private apartment at Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Reports indicated that US $43,449,947, £27,800, and N23,218,000 were found in the apartment and allegedly linked to Oke and his spouse, prompting charges of money laundering and conversion of government property.
After failing to appear in court, a Lagos Federal High Court issued an arrest warrant against Oke and his wife. The case, widely reported as the “Ikoyi-apartment cash scandal,” generated national attention and debate over accountability and transparency in public service.
In 2023 however, all charges against Oke and his wife were withdrawn, and the Lagos Federal High Court struck out the case, effectively clearing him.
During Wednesday’s screening, Senators Ali Ndume and Henry Seriake Dickson asked questions regarding his past.
However, Oke’s submission of the court document and his detailed responses addressed all concerns. The committee chairman confirmed that he was satisfied with the clarifications provided.
President Bola Tinubu had formally requested the confirmation of the nominees in a letter read on the Senate floor last week by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The three nominees’ names were transmitted ahead of 32 others announced by the President, although these additional nominees have not yet been read in plenary.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs is expected to submit its report during plenary, after which senators will deliberate and decide on the confirmation of the nominees.
With the court document presented today, Oke’s nomination stands on a strong legal and professional basis, reinforcing his eligibility for the ambassadorial post.
