As the Senate prepares to screen President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees, attention has shifted to five nominees whose past controversies have triggered public debate over their suitability to represent Nigeria abroad.
The names were part of the list forwarded to the National Assembly in three batches between November 26 and last Thursday. Of the total nominees, 34 were listed as career ambassadors and high commissioners, while 31 were non career nominees.
Among those drawing criticism is former National Intelligence Agency boss, Ayodele Oke, who was previously linked to a major cash seizure in Ikoyi and was once declared wanted by the EFCC. Although earlier charges were withdrawn on national security grounds, fresh ones were filed in 2025.
Former Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, is also facing scrutiny over alleged mismanagement of N283bn during emergency rule, a claim currently under review by the ICPC.
Ex Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, was indicted in a forensic audit over alleged diversion of N1.9tn, which the Abia government has forwarded to the EFCC.
Also on the list is former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, whose past public attacks on Tinubu and a foreign petition warning against his appointment have raised concerns.
Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani Kayode, is another controversial nominee due to his long history of inflammatory political statements, though he was cleared of past corruption charges.
Meanwhile, the Senate said no formal petitions have been received and screening will proceed next week.
