Group Hails Tinubu’s Diplomatic Picks, Seeks More Career Envoys

The Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing seasoned diplomats and intelligence experts to key international positions, describing the move as a deliberate effort to strengthen Nigeria’s global standing and deepen its foreign policy engagement.

In a statement issued by its Director-General, Kunle Yusuff, the organisation applauded the president’s selection of Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Lateef Kayode Are, and Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, noting that their track records in diplomacy, intelligence, and international relations make them “assets to Nigeria’s global partnerships.”

The group highlighted the accomplishments of Ambassador Ayodele Oke, who served as Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) between 2013 and 2017, pointing to his leadership in counter-terrorism coordination, external intelligence operations, and regional intelligence work.

CSCHEI also recalled his earlier diplomatic posting to the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, as well as his clearance of wrongdoing in 2023 after a six-year legal process.

“These achievements demonstrate Oke’s expertise in diplomacy, multilateral relations, and national security, making him a valuable asset for Nigeria’s international partnerships,” the group said.

CSCHEI also commended Lateef Kayode Are, Nigeria’s longest-serving Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), who led the agency from 1999 to 2007.

The organisation said his intelligence background, combined with his diplomatic experience at the Commonwealth Secretariat, underscores his suitability for higher responsibilities within Nigeria’s international engagements.

Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Korea from 2017 to 2023, was also praised for his contributions to strengthening Nigeria–Korea relations.

CSCHEI noted Dalhatu’s diplomatic service, his presentations of letters of credence, and his long-standing experience in foreign missions as evidence of his readiness for elevated responsibilities.

“As a seasoned career diplomat, Ambassador Dalhatu brings a wealth of experience to his new role, and his appointment is expected to further enhance Nigeria’s international relations,” the group added.

While praising the president’s recent appointments, CSCHEI urged him to further deepen Nigeria’s diplomatic capacity by appointing more career diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strategic international roles.

“This will not only strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic corps but also ensure continuity and consistency in our foreign policy,” the statement said .