By Victor Itodo Abuh
THE RESOURCE Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the appointment and confirmation of former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu and other politically-exposed persons as Nigeria’s foreign envoys, describing the move as a reward for impunity.
In a press statement issued on Friday, December 26, 2025 and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation said the appointments undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions and damage the country’s international reputation.
CHRICED expressed concern that the government is elevating individuals whose public service records are surrounded by allegations of corruption and abuse of office at a time when Nigeria needs credible and ethical diplomats to rebuild its global image.
The group described the appointment of Prof. Yakubu as particularly troubling, recalling his role as INEC chairman during the 2023 presidential election, which it said was widely disputed. According to CHRICED, the election was marked by operational failures, delayed uploads of results and allegations of manipulation, despite assurances about the use of the BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal.
“Rather than being held accountable for presiding over a disputed election that eroded public confidence, Yakubu is now being rewarded with a prestigious ambassadorial posting,” the statement said, adding that the decision sends a message that undermining democratic processes attracts rewards.
CHRICED also raised alarm over the nomination of former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ayodele Oke, who was linked to the discovery of large sums of foreign currency in a Lagos apartment in 2017. The organisation noted that Oke and his wife were indicted and later declared wanted after failing to appear in court.
“To now appoint him as a foreign ambassador, granting him diplomatic immunity and international legitimacy, is a direct affront to Nigerians who continue to demand accountability,” the group said.
The rights organisation further criticised the appointment of other former public office holders facing allegations of financial mismanagement, saying the trend shows that public office is increasingly being used as a refuge for those under scrutiny.
CHRICED also faulted the 10th National Assembly for confirming the nominees, accusing lawmakers of failing in their constitutional duty to provide proper oversight. It described the legislature as acting like a “rubber stamp” by approving nominees whose records, it said, deserved careful examination.
The group warned that the appointments could have international consequences, linking them to recent reports of tighter visa restrictions and reduced diplomatic engagement by some foreign countries, including the United States.
“When nations begin restricting visas or reviewing bilateral cooperation, it signals a deep erosion of trust in Nigeria’s leadership,” CHRICED said.
It argued that a system that rewards individuals facing serious allegations cannot successfully fight corruption or address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, as such actions erode public trust in the rule of law.
CHRICED called on civil society groups, the media and the international community to resist what it described as the normalization of impunity, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy cannot survive if accountability is abandoned.
“Nigeria deserves leaders who embody integrity, not individuals whose records raise serious questions,” the statement concluded.
