Senator Dickson Exposes APC’s ‘Vendetta Politics,’ Clears Ambassadors Amid Corruption Controversy”
“Senator Dickson Exposes APC’s ‘Vendetta Politics,’ Clears Ambassadors Amid Corruption Controversy”
……..Senator Dickson Clears Air on Ambassadorial Screening, Blasts APC for “Weaponising Corruption”
The Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Seriake Dickson, has revealed details of the screening session held earlier in the week for President Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees — Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Kayode Are and Aminu Dalhatu — insisting that the exercise was carried out diligently, transparently, and in the interest of the Nigerian people.
Dickson noted that as lawmakers, the Committee has a constitutional duty to probe and seek clarity on all issues surrounding nominees, especially when there are lingering controversies.
During the screening session, Dickson confronted Ambassador Oke with past issues surrounding his exit from the Office of the National Security Adviser, seeking clarity on allegations that had once trailed him. In response, Oke — a former chief of intelligence — reportedly thanked the senator for raising the issues and presented his achievements in office, as well as a court order that affirmed his acquittal following withdrawal of the case against him.
Dickson emphasized that Oke’s explanation confirmed his long-held belief that the All Progressives Congress (APC) “politicised serious national issues” including corruption, terrorism and the economy, solely for partisan advantage.
According to him, “They weaponised the Boko Haram challenge, played politics with subsidy, and carried out a skewed anti-corruption war targeted at opposition figures.”
He added that Oke, just like former NSA Sambo Dasuki, was a victim of what he described as a “misguided vendetta” against the PDP and its leadership.
The senator stressed that no Nigerian opposes a robust and apolitical fight against corruption, but warned that the struggle loses credibility when weaponised against opponents. He cautioned that national security institutions — especially the Office of the National Security Adviser — must be accorded respect, discretion, and protection as strategic assets vital to the safety of the nation.
Dickson further argued that once a directive is issued by a sitting President within lawful authority, intelligence chiefs must be shielded from political persecution regardless of disagreements by politicians.
Following the explanations offered and the legal documentation submitted, Dickson said he voted in favour of Ambassador Oke’s clearance. He confirmed that he also supported the clearance of the other nominees, Kayode Are and Aminu Dalhatu, describing them as experienced and patriotic Nigerians worthy of the assignments ahead.
He commended the trio for their commitment to national service and urged them to represent Nigeria’s interests effectively in their future postings.
“We will be monitoring,” Dickson added.
