The Senate on Wednesday screened and cleared three ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu, after a session lawmakers described as rigorous, dominated by national security and competence reviews.
9news Nigeria reports that the nominees cleared by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs are former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency and ex-Ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat, Ayo Oke, career diplomat and former Ambassador to South Korea, Amin Muhammad Dalhatu and former Director General of the State Security Service, Lateef Kayode Are.
The session gained momentum when Oke, whose name has repeatedly featured in public controversies, sought to address issues raised by Senators, notably Seriake Dickson and Adams Oshiomhole.
He acknowledged Dickson and Oshiomhole for raising matters he described as “already in the public domain.”
Oke, who sought the committee’s permission to address the concerns, stated that while he would not delve into sensitive operational details, he was prepared to clarify key points.
According to Oke, between 2013 and 2017, under his leadership, the NIA recorded what he described as unprecedented progress in organisational, operational, and infrastructural areas.
He cited, as an example, the construction of what he called the best conference centre in the country, noting that he built it on what he found to be an empty field when he assumed office.
Oke further stated that NIA, under his leadership, achieved significant results in its three decades of existence before his appointment.
Touching on the controversial covert operation that has trailed his name for years, he stated that the “clandestine operation” enjoyed the approval of two Presidents, stressing that his actions were taken strictly in the service of national security.
Quoting author Philip Yancey on the unpredictability of life, he likened his ordeal to the biblical trials of Joseph, Job, Esther, and Ruth.
He said he bore the turbulence with equanimity and faith, anchored by three personal principles: God, country, and honour, values, adding that this guided his 38-year career in public service.
However, he revealed that the ordeal deeply affected him and his family, recalling that he lost his 86-year-old mother during the period, which he attributed partly to distress caused by “lies and damaging narratives” surrounding the case.
Members of the committee acknowledged the sensitivity of the issues raised and commended the nominee for his responses. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Sani Bello, reminded all nominees to formally engage senators from their home states, noting that endorsement from at least two state senators remains a requirement for clearance.
Despite the session’s intensity, committee members noted that all three nominees brought strong credentials to the table, with longstanding experience in public service, diplomacy, intelligence, and administration.
The committee members stated that the nominees possessed the requisite expertise and discipline to serve effectively as ambassadors.
The chairman described President Tinubu’s selection as a very good choice, adding that the nominees had demonstrated competence and readiness for the task ahead.
At the end of deliberations, the committee unanimously recommended their confirmation by the Senate.
