Submitted by:
National Coalition for Nigerians of Integrity (NCNI)
A Nationwide Civic Alliance for Ethical Governance, Probity & Public Accountability
1. INTRODUCTION
Your Excellencies,
We, the National Coalition for Nigerians of Integrity (NCNI), write to formally and urgently petition against the nomination and potential confirmation of Mr. Ayodele Oke, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), as Nigeria’s Ambassador to either the United Kingdom or the French Republic.
This petition is grounded in:
Historical facts
Concrete anti-corruption records
Legal precedent
National and international reputational considerations
Nigeria’s current diplomatic and security vulnerabilities
Nigeria cannot seek international trust, investment, and counter-terror cooperation while simultaneously exporting compromised figures with unresolved integrity scandals to represent our nation at the highest diplomatic levels.
2. THE IKOYI CASH SCANDAL — A NATIONAL DISGRACE STILL UNRESOLVED
In April 2017, the entire world watched in shock as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) discovered:
$43.4 million
£27,800
₦23 million
stashed in cash in a private apartment in the Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos — a location linked directly to NIA under the leadership of Mr. Ayodele Oke.
This money was not declared, not recorded, and not accounted for within the official intelligence budget. The Buhari Administration immediately suspended him, and the investigative panel led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo recommended:
– Dismissal from Service
– Full prosecution
– Forfeiture of the seized funds
These were carried out in part, and crucially:
> Mr. Oke was never acquitted.
He merely negotiated a soft landing.
He was dismissed on grounds of misconduct.
And the funds were forfeited permanently as “proceeds of unlawful activity.”
This is a matter of public record.
Under Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution,
> “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
Under the Public Service Rules (PSR) 030401, dismissal is the highest punishment for misconduct involving corruption, dishonesty, or financial impropriety.
Mr. Oke remains a dismissed public servant whose integrity profile is irreparably compromised.
3. INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS — WHAT MESSAGE ARE WE SENDING?
The United Kingdom and France are two of Nigeria’s:
Most critical diplomatic allies,
Largest trade partners,
Most serious counter-terrorism and anti-money laundering partners.
Both countries operate some of the strictest integrity vetting systems in the world.
Question:
Would France nominate a man who stored millions of state funds in an unmarked apartment?
Would the UK appoint a dismissed intelligence chief with an unresolved corruption case as High Commissioner?
The answer is obvious.
Nigeria should not export its scandals as ambassadors.
Diplomacy is a calling of honour, not a rehabilitation centre for tainted officials.
No developed country would nominate a man with such unresolved baggage to represent them.
4. OKE’S POLITICAL PATRONAGE NETWORK — A RED FLAG
Mr. Oke has enjoyed protection under:
The Jonathan Administration
The Buhari Administration
Now, apparently, the Tinubu Administration
This revolving-door relationship suggests political utility, not patriotism.
Ambassadors represent the nation — not their past political patrons.
His repeated survival through scandals hints at:
Complicity
Political compromise
And a troubling willingness to serve any government with the right patronage
This raises serious concerns about loyalty, predictability, and national security integrity.
5. A GLOBAL REPUTATION AT STAKE
Nigeria is currently fighting:
Terrorism
Banditry
Money laundering allegations
Blacklisting risks
And credibility issues with FATF, OECD and international financial regulators.
Sending a dismissed intelligence chief linked to the largest cash seizure in Nigerian history to the diplomatic capitals of London or Paris is:
Diplomatically reckless
Morally indefensible
Strategically suicidal
It undermines every reform Nigeria claims to be pursuing.
This nomination will be interpreted globally as:
> “Nigeria is not serious about corruption.”
“Nigeria rewards indicted officials.”
“Nigeria cannot be trusted on financial transparency.”
6. LEGAL BASIS FOR REJECTION
A. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 171
Ambassadors must be persons of proven integrity.
B. Code of Conduct Bureau & Tribunal Act
Public officers must:
Avoid misconduct,
Avoid abuse of power,
Avoid actions that bring disrepute to Nigeria.
C. Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961)
Ambassadors must embody:
Respectability
Credibility
Trustworthiness
No objective assessment would classify a dismissed intelligence chief implicated in a massive cash scandal as “respectable” by international standards.
7. THE PRAGMATIC QUESTION
Would the UK or France accept a nominee dismissed for financial misconduct as their own ambassador anywhere in the world?
They simply would not.
And Nigeria should not insult their systems or degrade its own dignity by attempting it.
8. WHAT THE NCNI DEMANDS
On behalf of millions of Nigerians who desire a nation built on integrity, we demand:
A. That the Presidency immediately withdraw the nomination of Mr. Ayodele Oke.
He is wholly unsuitable for any ambassadorial role — especially in G7 countries.
B. That the Senate REJECT his confirmation.
The Senate must rise above partisanship and defend national honour.
C. That the UK and French governments be formally notified to place a hold on his acceptance (agrément).
No nation should be pressured into accepting a compromised envoy.
D. That Nigeria prioritise clean, competent, career diplomats.
Reputation matters in diplomacy more than political reward.
E. That dismissed public officers never be recycled into sensitive national positions.
This is common sense in any functioning democracy.
● CONCLUSION — NIGERIA MUST CHOOSE DIGNITY OVER POLITICS
This is not vengeance.
It is national self-respect.
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, struggling to rebuild global trust after years of financial scandals, insecurity, and reputational damage.
Ayodele Oke represents the opposite of the image Nigeria needs today.
Appointing him as ambassador would send one message:
> “Integrity does not matter in Nigeria.”
Rejecting him would send another:
> “A new Nigeria is possible — one where the world can trust our leaders again.”
The National Coalition for Nigerians of Integrity respectfully but firmly urges:
The Presidency
The Senate
The Government of the United Kingdom
The Government of the French Republic
to reject and refuse the nomination of Mr. Ayodele Oke.
Nigeria deserves better.
And the world expects better.
Prof. Aminu Abubakar.
National Coalition For Nigerians of Integrity.
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