Shadow Diplomats? Inside The Storm Surrounding Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees

By NJORIGE LYNUS

NIGERIA’S diplomatic corps is set for its most contentious shake-up in years as the Senate prepares to screen 65 ambassadorial nominees sent by President Bola Tinubu. What should have been a routine diplomatic staffing exercise has instead ignited a firestorm of political outrage, corruption allegations, and questions about federal character, competence, and credibility.

Behind the polished titles and political appointments lies a deeper, unsettling narrative: some nominees face unresolved corruption probes, past indictments, or reputational baggage significant enough to cast doubt on their suitability to represent Nigeria abroad. As civil society groups, opposition parties, and elder diplomats intensify scrutiny, the Senate’s upcoming screening has become a major national test of transparency and diplomatic integrity.

A Long-Awaited List, Followed by Swift Backlash

Nigeria has operated without ambassadors in its 109 foreign missions for nearly two years, following a wholesale recall ordered early in Tinubu’s administration. Many expected career diplomats to dominate the new list. Instead, the President submitted an initial three names on November 26, followed by 32 more, and ultimately an expanded 65-person list comprising 34 career and 31 non-career nominees.

The Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio, promised swift screening. But almost immediately, condemnation erupted over allegations of political patronage and the inclusion of nominees with unresolved legal and ethical questions.

Opposition parties — including the PDP, ADC, and NNPP — accused President Tinubu of rewarding political loyalists and controversial figures with plum foreign postings. Five nominees, in particular, have drawn intense scrutiny.

1. AYODELE OKE: THE INTELLIGENCE CHIEF SHADOWED BY Ikoyi Millions

Former NIA Director-General Ayodele Oke faces one of the most high-profile corruption controversies in Nigeria’s recent history.

• In 2017, $43 million, £27,800, and ₦23.8 million were found in an Ikoyi apartment allegedly linked to Oke and his wife.

• A three-man panel chaired by then–VP Yemi Osinbajo indicted him and recommended dismissal.

• EFCC declared Oke and his wife wanted in 2019 after they failed to appear for arraignment.

• New charges were filed in 2025, but both fled the country.

Despite these unresolved cases, Oke has now resurfaced on Tinubu’s diplomatic list — a nomination critics say threatens Nigeria’s global reputation.

2. IBOK-ETE IBAS: THE RETIRED ADMIRAL FACING A ₦283 BILLION QUESTIONS

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, appointed Sole Administrator during Rivers State’s six-month emergency rule in 2025, is battling allegations of massive financial mismanagement.

• ICPC has confirmed receiving a petition demanding investigation into alleged misappropriation of ₦283 billion in state allocations.

• Rivers State House of Assembly and civil society groups are also seeking accountability.

• Ibas insists the lawmakers lack authority to probe him, arguing he was appointed and supervised by the Presidency and National Assembly.

His nomination as ambassador is now at the centre of heated legal and political debate.

3. OKEZIE IKPEAZU: A FORMER GOVERNOR WITH A ₦1.9 TRILLION AUDIT SCANDAL

A forensic audit commissioned by Governor Alex Otti and conducted by KPMG implicated former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu in alleged diversion and mismanagement of ₦1.9 trillion.

The report cited:

• payments for non-existent projects,

• undocumented withdrawals,

• illegal deductions,

• unremitted IGR,

• approvals allegedly made without due process.

A copy of the audit has been submitted to EFCC. Ikpeazu’s nomination as ambassador has sparked outrage among anti-corruption groups, who warn that unresolved allegations make him unfit for diplomatic duty.

4. RENO OMOKRI: CRITIC-TURNED-SUPPORTER FACING FOREIGN PETITIONS

Reno Omokri, once a fierce critic of Tinubu, is now nominated as an ambassador — a turn many describe as political theatre.

His past statements include:

• publicly calling Tinubu a “drug lord,”

• leading anti-Tinubu protests in London,

• declaring on live TV in 2023 that he would “never work with Tinubu.”

His nomination has triggered an international petition:

Former Blanco City mayor, Mike Arnold, warned the Senate not to approve Omokri, calling him “a danger” who would “embarrass Nigeria on the world stage.”

5. FEMI FANI-KAYODE: A HISTORY OF VOLATILE DIATRIBES AND COURT BATTLES

Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode is one of Nigeria’s most controversial political figures.

• He once described Tinubu as “darkness,” “always on drugs,” and a “traitor.”

• He vowed never to join APC — before defecting in 2021.

• He has faced four corruption trials over 18 years, though he was ultimately acquitted.

Diplomats warn that his temperament and controversial history may pose risks in sensitive foreign missions.

Federal Character Flaws and the Case of a Deceased Nominee

Senator Ali Ndume has formally rejected the entire list, citing:

• violations of federal character principles,

• uneven distribution of nominees across states,

• and, shockingly, the inclusion of Senator Adamu Garba Talba from Yobe — who reportedly died months ago.

He warns that the imbalance risks deepening ethnic tensions.

Diplomats and CSOs Raise Red Flags

Influential voices in foreign affairs say the list reflects political compensation rather than strategic diplomacy.

Former Ambassador Yemi Faronbi criticised:

• over-reliance on political appointees,

• marginalisation of career diplomats,

• rushed Senate screening (“garbage in, garbage out”).

Former Consul Rasheed Akinkuolie added that host countries may reject nominees after background checks, especially those with public controversies.

Anti-corruption bodies like CACOL urge EFCC, ICPC, and DSS to block nominees with unresolved cases.

The PDP warns that nominating individuals clouded by scandal undermines Nigeria’s credibility abroad.

Senate Yet to Receive Formal Petitions

Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu says no formal petitions have been submitted yet, but the Senate will act on any credible allegation. The Foreign Affairs Committee has one week to complete screening.

Nigeria’s Global Image at Stake

With 65 new envoys poised to represent Africa’s largest democracy, the controversies surrounding several nominees raise critical questions:

• Will the Senate prioritise merit over politics?

• Will receiving countries accept the nominees?

• What message does Nigeria send by appointing individuals with unresolved corruption or credibility issues?

As the screening begins, Nigeria stands at a diplomatic crossroads — one that may define its global reputation for years to come.