As the Nigerian Senate prepares to screen President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees, scrutiny has turned to candidates whose past controversies may affect their ability to represent the country abroad.
Nearly two years after Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions were left without substantive envoys, President Tinubu submitted an initial three-person list to the Senate on Sunday, November 26, 2025. He followed up last Saturday with 32 additional nominees and, on Thursday, updated the total list to 65.
Of these, 34 nominees are career ambassadors and high commissioners, while 31 are non-career appointees. In his transmission letter, Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite the screening process to fill vital diplomatic positions. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter at plenary and referred it to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, directing them to complete the screenings within a week.
However, the list has sparked criticism. Opposition parties, civil society groups, and concerned citizens have raised questions about the integrity and qualifications of some nominees. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) specifically criticized what they see as politically motivated appointments.
Notable nominees drawing scrutiny include:
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Ambassador Oke, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), linked to alleged financial misconduct involving N13bn and undisclosed foreign travel during pending EFCC investigations.
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Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), former Sole Administrator of Rivers State, facing petitions over mismanagement of N283bn during his brief tenure.
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Okezie Ikpeazu, former Abia State governor, indicted by a 2024 KPMG audit for allegedly diverting N1.9tn from state funds.
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Reno Omokri, former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, previously a vocal critic of Tinubu, now nominated despite past controversial statements, including calling Tinubu a “drug lord.”
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Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation, noted for prior corruption investigations and polarizing political statements, raising questions about his suitability as a diplomat.
Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has called on President Tinubu to withdraw the list, citing violations of the Federal Character principle. He highlighted the unequal distribution of nominees across geopolitical zones and warned that the imbalance could exacerbate ethnic tensions.
Former Nigerian diplomats, including Yemi Faronbi and Rasheed Akinkuolie, emphasized that political appointments should complement career diplomats rather than replace them and stressed the importance of proper scrutiny by the Senate and receiving countries.
Civil society groups, including CACOL, have urged anti-corruption agencies to flag nominees with unresolved cases and encouraged receiving nations to conduct their due diligence. PDP spokesperson Ini Ememobong echoed concerns that nominees with unresolved allegations could undermine public trust and diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility.
As the Senate moves forward with screenings, public attention remains focused on the nominees’ past records and the broader implications of these appointments on Nigeria’s international reputation.
