On November 26, 2025, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, forwarded a list of three ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation — the first instalment of what is expected to be a more comprehensive list.
Among the nominees is Ambassador Ayodele Oke, CFR, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), who served between 2013 and 2017. During his tenure, he faced allegations of corrupt enrichment which were ultimately unproven.
Predictably, political opportunists and misinformed civil society actors are attempting to resurrect these allegations in an effort to oppose his nomination. While their concerns may appear understandable, they are fundamentally rooted in ignorance of the facts. Ambassador Oke was accused, thoroughly investigated, and ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.
On June 9, 2023, Justice C. J. Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos struck out all charges against him on grounds of national security and by mutual agreement of both prosecution and defence — in what was widely considered closure to a matter that should never have arisen. His legal discharge later received political validation when former President Muhammadu Buhari concurred with the national security and legal dimensions of the case.
A core principle of any democracy is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. A formal exoneration — whether by acquittal, dismissal, or withdrawal of charges — is the definitive legal confirmation of innocence. To continue treating an individual as “guilty” in spite of a final judicial verdict is to undermine the authority of the courts and subvert constitutional order. Now fully exonerated, Ambassador Oke faces no legal or constitutional barrier to holding public office. His standing today is the same as that of any Nigerian with an unimpeached record.
It is both a moral and governmental obligation to treat citizens fairly, especially those who have endured severe public accusations. Allowing a malicious media campaign to override judicial outcomes would set a dangerous precedent: one where mere allegations — even disproven ones — become permanent punishment. This would be a travesty of justice. A responsible government must retain the freedom to appoint the most qualified individuals, particularly in sensitive areas such as security and diplomacy. Few can match Ambassador Oke’s pedigree and expertise.
Withdrawing or disqualifying him on the basis of recycled, debunked claims would amount to politicizing judicial outcomes, empowering those who weaponize allegations without evidence. It would embolden bad-faith actors to deploy similar tactics against any public figure, eroding the credibility of governance and undermining the rule of law.
By standing firm, the government affirms confidence in the justice system and its constitutional prerogative to nominate competent individuals. It also places responsibility on detractors to respect facts rather than peddle emotional rhetoric. Indeed, the conversation after a verdict of innocence should shift from past allegations to the nominee’s capacity, vision, and potential contribution to national progress.
Supporting Ambassador Oke’s nomination is not only a matter of fairness but also a demonstration that legal verdicts take precedence over public sentiment and political orchestrations. His exoneration restores his full moral and legal right to serve. Yielding to media hysteria built on disproven accusations would weaken the integrity of the appointment process and perpetuate grave injustice.
An accusation is not a conviction. After a decisive verdict clearing him of all wrongdoing, Ambassador Oke is legally innocent and morally vindicated. His eligibility must rest on his present competence and the judicial outcome, not on failed attempts to malign his reputation. To subject him again to a baseless media trial is unjust and deeply unfair, especially after enduring years of traumatic legal scrutiny.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a sound and strategic decision in nominating Ambassador Oke — along with two other distinguished personalities — as his personal representatives in key allied nations during a period of serious national security challenges. At this moment, Nigeria requires steady, analytical, and visionary figures like Ambassador Oke to help navigate an unpredictable and often hostile global environment.
The government must remain resolute. Rejecting the ongoing media trial preserves the country’s access to one of its finest diplomatic minds. By guiding his nomination through Senate confirmation, the administration reaffirms its commitment to meritocracy, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of public servants from unjust persecution. These times demand political and moral courage — and the government must show both.
Amb. Gbara Awanen, PhD, mni, is a retired Career Ambassador and Mene Eedee I of Bera, Gokana LGA, Rivers State.