The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has lauded the nomination of former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayodele Oke, for the position of ambassador.
The organisation also commended President Bola Tinubu for considering Oke for the role.
It said that Oke is a seasoned and well-experienced administrator with proven integrity and competence.
The ex-NIA DG was among the first three non-career ambassadors nominated by President Tinubu last week, pending confirmation by the Senate.
Addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, Executive Director of NCSCN, Blessing Akinlosotu, said the nomination of Oke for the position should be viewed as a positive development considering his pedigree and track record.
Mr Blessing stated, “For us in the Civil Society Council, we totally align our thoughts with a public analyst who stated that President Tinubu’s decision to nominate Oke as ambassador carries weight beyond rehabilitation, but further serves as a signal that professional competence, once vindicated, deserves restoration.
“Inasmuch as we do not subscribe to the use of private residence belongings for the wife to lodge an official fund meant for covert operations, however, the noble intention and pragmatism associated with that smart initiative of Amb. Oke must not be watered down or dismissed casually.
“The nomination of Amb. Ayodele Oke for an Ambassadorial role should be viewed as a positive development considering his pedigree and track record.
“He is a seasoned and well-experienced administrator with proven integrity and competence.
“We call on all security agencies, media houses and civil society organisations to, at all times, conduct proper investigations before going public on sensitive national issues such as this.”