The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday cleared Ayodele Oke, Kayode Are, and Aminu Dalhatu for ambassadorial appointments after an intense screening session at the National Assembly. The three nominees were part of the first batch forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu.
Gatekeepers News reports that the screening focused on national security, past service records, and controversies tied to previous operational decisions.
Oke, a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. Are is a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), while Dalhatu once held the role of Nigeria’s ambassador to South Korea.
Oke Responds to Allegations
The session grew tense when Oke addressed allegations that resurfaced following his nomination. In April 2017, the EFCC announced the discovery of $43 million, £27,000, and ₦23 million in a flat in Ikoyi after a whistleblower’s tip. Reports later linked the money to the NIA under Oke’s leadership. TheCable also reported that the agency withdrew $289,202,382 in cash from a CBN account belonging to the National Petroleum Investment Management Services in February 2015 after the general election was postponed.
Oke thanked the Senate for the opportunity to speak, noting that the concerns raised were already in the public domain. He said he would avoid disclosing sensitive operational details but was willing to provide necessary clarifications.
He described the 2013–2017 period under his leadership as a time of “unprecedented organisational, operational and infrastructural progress” for the NIA, including building what he called “the best conference centre in the country.” He insisted the agency achieved milestones unseen in its three decades of existence.
On the controversial covert operation tied to his tenure, he said the mission had full approval from two former presidents and was carried out strictly in the national interest. Citing Philip Yancey and likening his ordeal to the biblical experiences of Joseph, Job, Esther and Ruth, Oke said he endured the turbulence “with equanimity.” He added that the episode took a personal toll, claiming it contributed to the death of his 86-year-old mother.
Committee members commended Oke for his explanations and acknowledged the sensitivity of the issues.
Committee chair Sani Bello reminded all nominees to formally consult with senators from their home states, noting that endorsement from at least two state senators remains a requirement for confirmation. He said the nominees brought strong credentials from decades of experience in intelligence, diplomacy, and public administration.
Bello described the trio as “a very good choice,” adding that they showed competence and preparedness for the roles ahead.
At the end of deliberations, the committee unanimously recommended their confirmation.
