Rights Group Faults Appointment Of Indicted Officials As Envoys

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the appointment of former public office holders facing serious allegations as Nigeria’s foreign envoys, warning that the move undermines accountability and damages the country’s international image.

In a statement signed by its executive director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, the organisation expressed concern over what it described as a growing culture of rewarding politically exposed persons with diplomatic postings, despite unresolved allegations of corruption and abuse of office.

CHRICED particularly criticised the appointment of former INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, describing it as troubling in view of the controversies that trailed the 2023 general elections.

According to the group, the election was marred by logistical failures, delayed transmission of results and allegations of irregularities, despite the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

“Rather than being held accountable for presiding over a disputed electoral process, Prof. Yakubu has been elevated to a diplomatic position,” the organisation said, adding that the development sends the wrong signal about governance and accountability in Nigeria.

CHRICED also raised concerns over the nomination of the former director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke,

describing his nomination as an attempt to shield individuals facing corruption allegations with diplomatic immunity.

Other appointments criticised include that of former Rivers State sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) and former Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.

CHRICED also questioned the political turnaround of Reno Omokri, describing his nomination as part of what it called a pattern of rewarding political loyalty over integrity.