By Amb. Gbara Awanen

On 26th November, 2025, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR,forwarded a list of three ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, obviously the first instalment of a much anticipated and longer list to follow. Among the nominees is Ambassador Ayodele Oke, CFR, former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) who headed the Agency between 2013 and 2017. During this period, he faced allegations of corrupt enrichment, which turned out to be unproven.

Predictably, political buccaneers and some misinformed elements in the civil society are beginning to push back against Ambassador Oke’s nomination, referencing the unproven allegations. While understandable, those seeking to deny this celebrated national intelligence chief and outstanding international public servant are ignorant of the basic facts of this unfortunate saga. Here are the facts. Ambassador Oke was accused, duly investigated, and ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing. On 9th June, 2023, Justice C. J. Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos, struct out all charges against him on grounds of national security imperatives and mutual agreement between the prosecution and defence teams to discontinue a case that should never have happened in the first place. The termination of the charges against Ambassador Oke received political validation following President Muhammadu Buhari’s concurrence with the legal and national security dimensions of the case.

The cornerstone of any just and democratic society is the principle of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. A formal, final exoneration, whether an acquittal, dismissal, or quashing of charges, is the ultimate declaration of legal innocence. To continue treating an accused “guilty,” despite a final legal verdict affirming innocence is to subvert the constitutional process and the authority of the judiciary. In our democracy, innocence, once established by law, must be upheld. Ambassador Oke’s exoneration means there is no current legal or constitutional barrier to his holding public office again because his past indictment was based on allegations that have now been legally disproven. In this moment, Ambassador Oke’s legal standing is the same as any other citizen of Nigeria with a clean record.

Society and the government have a moral obligation to treat citizens fairly, especially those who have been subjected to the most severe allegations of public misconduct. Allowing a vile and orchestrated media campaign to succeed would establish a dangerous precedent where accusation alone turns to permanent punishment, regardless of the facts or legal outcome. This would be profoundly unfair. A government should be free to appoint the most qualified individuals to high office and few come close to this eminently qualified nominee in national security and diplomatic governance.

To withdraw the nomination or disqualify the nominee due to recycled, disproven allegations would politicize the outcome of judicial proceedings. Worse, this would send a dangerous message that one can always weaponize unproven allegations against an accused, effectively overriding the judiciary’s fact-finding role. It goes without saying such an outcome will encourage detractors to mount similar campaigns against any perceived political enemy, regardless of evidence.

By standing firm, the government will be demonstrating its confidence in the justice system and its own nominating authority. It holds detractors, the ignorant and the misinformed accountable to the facts of the legal outcome, not just emotional rhetoric. Standing firm demonstrates strength and stability in governance. After a verdict of complete innocence, the conversation ought to focus on a public official’s current suitability, vision, and future contributions to his country, not on past allegations that have been disproven.

The decision to stand by the ambassadorial nomination of this fine public officer is a powerful affirmation that in a state governed by law, the legal verdict must prevail over public opinion and political pressure. After all, Ambassador Oke’sexoneration fully restores his legal and moral right to public service. To surrender to a media campaign based on disprovenallegations is to undermine the rule of law, perpetuate a grave injustice, and erode the integrity of the public service nominating process.

The nomination of Ambassador should stand because anaccusation is neither guilt nor conviction. After a final and decisive verdict of innocence, the nominee is legally innocentand morally vindicated. His fitness for office must be judged on his current merit and the final judicial outcome, not on the weaponization of past, failed accusations. His current legal standing is the same as any other citizen with unblemished record.  It would therefore be grave injustice to subject Ambassador Oke to a misguided media trial on the same disproven charges. This outstanding public servant has paid his due to the system by enduring a lengthy and traumatic legal process. He should not be forced to relive the punishment after being declared innocent.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the right call to recognize Ambassador Oke’s sterling qualities by nominating him with two other distinguished personalities as his principal personalrepresentatives in key partner countries in a time of grave national security emergency. What our country needs in this moment are steady, mentally acute, and strategic thinkers, as Ambassador Oke is, to help the government navigate the uncertainties, risks and opportunities in a rapidly shifting and dangerous geopolitical landscape.

The government must be resolute and reject a media trial that could rob our country of the services of one of its finest diplomats. By standing firm and guiding Ambassador Oke’snomination through the confirmation process, the government will be making a powerful statement that it favours meritocracy, respects the rule of law, values public service, and is willing to stand by an individual who has been unjustly accused. In times like this, our government must showpolitical and moral courage in the face of an emotional, but factually bankrupt, media frenzy.

Amb Gbara Awanen, PhD, mni is a retired Career Ambassador and Mene Eedee 1 Bera in Gokana Local Government, Rivers State.

By Moradeke Kolawole

When a person is consistent in one thing, it becomes their identity. In the case of former Ambassador Lilian Onoh, consistency lies in bitterness, vendetta and endless feuds. Her latest attempt to drag Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa into her cycle of accusations follows a well-worn pattern. Onoh is known more for her fights than for any enduring legacy of diplomacy.

The court records from the libel case filed by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, expose the character behind the loud claims. Under cross-examination, Onyeama’s lawyer described her actions as nothing more than vendetta. Onoh herself admitted in open court that her hostility towards Onyeama was personal. She claimed he had pursued her career because her sister divorced him and went as far as describing the former minister’s supposed “hereditary insanity” and “unhinged psychiatric problem.” These are not the words of a seasoned diplomat. They are the words of someone consumed by malice and family feuds, now weaponised in professional spaces.

This is the same pattern she repeats with Abike Dabiri-Erewa. From a definitely fictional alleged encounter at Aso Villa in 2018, she has manufactured an entire story of Igbo hatred and ethnic vendetta, complete with insults, name-calling and cheap shots about appearance and education. Just like her fight with Onyeama, it is full of venom but empty of evidence. Abike Dabiri Erewa never met Onoh nor had any encounter with her anywhere at all. She is following her pattern of outright lies and venom.

It is ironic that someone accused of financial impropriety and known for dragging colleagues to court is now trying to lecture Nigerians on who is fit for public office. The truth is that Onoh’s record is one of bitterness and litigation, not of service and legacy.

By contrast, Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s record is open and verifiable. She gave voice to the voiceless as a journalist, served three terms in the House of Representatives with bills that cut across ethnic and religious lines, and as Chairman of NiDCOM has championed the cause of Nigerians stranded in Sudan, Ukraine, Libya, China and other troubled spots. She never asked whether they were Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa before intervening. That is the mark of service, not vendetta.

So when Lilian Onoh hurls unprintable words and tries to dress personal bitterness as national interest, Nigerians can see through it. Her own courtroom testimonies have already shown how far she is willing to go in twisting personal grievances into public battles.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa does not need to pay much attention to such manufactured stories because her work speaks for itself. Nigerians know her record and they know Onoh’s record too. One is a record of service, the other a record of quarrels.
So who is beyond redemption? Definitely Lilian Onoh.

By Hon. Gloria Okolugbo

The Office of the Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko has observed with deep concern the rising trend of reckless defamation, baseless accusations, and outright blackmail targeted at political officeholders under the guise of opposition politics. While democracy thrives on diverse opinions and constructive criticism, it must be emphasized that the fundamental principles of fairness, truth, and accountability cannot be sacrificed in the name of political engagement.

It has come to our attention that despite prior warnings, certain individuals continue to propagate falsehoods and defamatory claims against the Distinguished Senator.

The recent case involving one Mr. Chimezie, who falsely accused Senator Nwoko of certificate forgery, embezzlement of public funds, and other malicious fabrications, is a glaring example of this disturbing trend. These are not mere political criticisms; they are grievous allegations with serious legal consequences.

Senator Nwoko, a renowned international legal practitioner and respected global figure, has built his reputation through decades of hard work, integrity, and service. It is therefore unacceptable that anyone, under the cover of social media, would make unsubstantiated claims aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned name. In Nigerian society, reputation is highly valued, and while some may trivialize theirs, the Distinguished Senator will not stand by and allow his integrity to be recklessly attacked.

Legal implication of defamation and cyberstalking

The laws of Nigeria and other civilized societies are clear on defamation, cyberstalking, and false accusations. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, particularly Section 24, criminalizes the use of electronic communication to send messages that are false, grossly offensive, or of a menacing character. Additionally, under the Criminal and Penal Codes of Nigeria, defamatory statements—whether in writing (libel) or spoken (slander)—are serious offenses punishable by law.

Forgery, an allegation carelessly thrown at the Distinguished Senator, is a grave criminal offense under Section 363 of the Criminal Code, attracting severe legal consequences. An accusation of forgery is not a matter to be taken lightly; it is an assertion that a crime has been committed, and the burden of proof lies on the accuser.

It is imperative to remind all that freedom of expression does not include the right to malign, defame, or falsely accuse others. Criticism of public officials should be based on facts and responsible discourse, not deliberate falsehoods designed to mislead the public and incite disaffection.

Political opposition must not be grounded in falsehoods

Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko holds no grudge against anyone for opposing his policies or questioning his performance in office. He firmly believes that opposition is essential for democracy, as it fosters accountability and effectiveness in governance. However, opposition must be guided by reason, decency, and truth.

Emotion should never override common sense. Making reckless statements without evidence does not amount to opposition politics—it is blackmail and character assassination. The issue at hand is not about silencing critics but about ensuring that grave allegations are backed by facts and not mere political gimmicks.

The need for accountability in public discourse

Mr. Chimezie’s defamatory post was not made in secret; it was widely circulated across social media platforms, reaching audiences beyond Nigeria’s borders. He had nearly a month to retract or provide proof but chose neither. Instead, those supporting him now seek to shift the narrative by playing the victim card.

Let it be clear: Senator Ned Nwoko is the victim here. Defamation is not a tool for political engagement, and no individual—regardless of their background—has the right to make false accusations without being held accountable. Arrest is not persecution; rather, it is the lawful means of ensuring justice. If Mr. Chimezie has evidence to support his claims, now is the time to present it. Otherwise, he must face the consequences of his reckless actions.

Justice is for all – not just for the poor

Justice is not selective. While the public is quick to rally behind perceived underdogs, it is essential to recognize that the rich and powerful also deserve justice. Political officeholders, like every other citizen, have the right to protect their reputation and dignity. The attempt to paint this case as oppression is a deliberate distraction from the real issue: falsehood and its consequences.

The Legal Department and Communication Directorate of Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko’s office will not stand idly by while defamatory attacks continue unchecked. Going forward, any attempt to spread falsehoods or malicious allegations against the Distinguished Senator will be met with the full weight of the law.

We encourage constructive engagement and responsible discourse but will not tolerate slander, cyberstalking, or blackmail. Those who wish to oppose Senator Ned Nwoko are free to do so within the bounds of truth and decency. However, let it be known that defamation will not be ignored nor excused.

Signed,

Hon. Gloria Okolugbo Director Communications

Office of the Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko.