Tinubu’s Envoy Picks To U.S., U.K., France Driven By Security, Merit, And Global Credibility

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to nominate three envoys to the United States, the United Kingdom, and France was informed by urgent national security imperatives and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign partnerships against insurgency and banditry, The Nation has learnt.

According to authoritative sources, the President prioritized integrity, merit, international acceptability, and trusted security experience in selecting the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayo Oke; former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Kayode Are; and seasoned diplomat, Amb. Amin Mohammed Dalhatu.

Their names have since been transmitted to the Senate for confirmation. They represent the first batch of ambassadorial nominees under the Tinubu administration, with a comprehensive list expected soon.

Why Tinubu Chose Them

A top Presidency source said President Tinubu is reverting to what he described as “pragmatic diplomacy” — a foreign policy approach designed to complement ongoing economic reforms and Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations.

“To Tinubu, it is merit before anything else. These nominees have unimpeachable pedigree; they are internationally respected and can knock on any door for Nigeria,” the source said.

He added that the three nominees were chosen strictly on capability, with some reportedly abroad when the announcement was made.

Amb. Ayo Oke: Cleared of Corruption Allegations

Some critics have questioned Oke’s nomination due to the controversy surrounding the discovery of $43 million at an Ikoyi apartment in 2017. But fresh information indicates that Oke was legally cleared of wrongdoing.

Sources confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) withdrew its case in June 2023, after acknowledging the funds belonged to a classified national security project. A Federal High Court subsequently struck out the charges.

“He didn’t embezzle any money. EFCC withdrew the charges based on verified facts,” said Dr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN) — now Ondo State Attorney-General — who led the defence team.

The withdrawal, approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari, ended the six-year controversy. International security partners involved in the project were said to have been embarrassed by the initial public exposure.

Profiles That Command Global Respect

Ayo Oke’s career features strategic intelligence service and a distinguished stint at the Commonwealth Secretariat, London, where he served as Special Adviser to the Secretary-General and Head of Africa Department. His assessments and reports were widely trusted — including an accurate intelligence projection that former President Goodluck Jonathan would lose the 2015 election.

Kayode Are, on his part, is credited with an exemplary leadership record in the DSS, earning the admiration of foreign intelligence counterparts.

Amb. Amin Mohammed Dalhatu is described as a diplomat of integrity, passion, and unshakeable commitment to Nigeria’s national interest.

A Strategic Shift in Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

According to sources, President Tinubu intends to deploy individuals who command global trust, possess deep intelligence networks, and can rally international support for Nigeria’s economic and security priorities.

“These are men who speak truth to power. They have integrity, they are competent, and they are respected globally,” another source emphasized.

The nominations signal the administration’s renewed emphasis on credibility-driven diplomacy and the pursuit of stronger international alliances