Abuja: The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has expressed approval of President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Amb. Ayodele Oke, a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), for an ambassadorial appointment. This nomination is part of a second batch of 32 ambassadorial nominees that President Tinubu has submitted to the Senate for confirmation, following an initial list of three nominees.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NCSCN Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, addressed the media in Abuja, affirming that Oke’s credentials and achievements are beyond question. Akinlosotu emphasized that the council agrees with public analysts who view Tinubu’s decision as a significant move that transcends mere rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of recognizing professional competence that has been vindicated.
Akinlosotu further explained that Oke has been fully exonerated of corruption allegations by a competent court and relevant security agencies after an exhaustive process. He referenced comments from Otunba Msuaan, a public affairs commentator, who argued that the calls to reject Oke’s confirmation pose a risk of undermining a legitimate court decision with public speculation. Msuaan criticized the campaign against Oke as an attempt to set a dangerous precedent that could erode the legal system and national security.
Msuaan also pointed out that the legal proceedings against Oke concluded definitively after a six-year process, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) moving to terminate the case. In May 2023, the court dismissed the proceedings, marking a closure due to the absence of evidence of wrongdoing.
Akinlosotu remarked that Oke’s nomination should be seen positively, given his extensive administrative experience and integrity. He called upon security agencies, media houses, and civil society organizations to ensure thorough investigations are conducted before making public statements on sensitive national matters.