On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
By Oriontimes Abuja Bureau
Abuja, Nigeria — October 9, 2025:
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Oluwole Oke,
has clarified recent social-media speculations surrounding his engagement with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Michael Freeman, describing the meeting as part of routine parliamentary diplomacy conducted in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy protocols.
In a press statement issued in Abuja, Oke’s office explained that the Ambassador’s visit was officially requested and processed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following all necessary diplomatic channels. The lawmaker emphasized that the meeting, first requested in April 2025, was neither private nor personal, but a scheduled engagement within his committee’s oversight function.
“Hon. Oke’s meeting was within the confines of legitimate parliamentary diplomacy, a standard practice for legislators to engage foreign envoys on matters of national interest,” the statement read.
The lawmaker reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering support for the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, consistent with the country’s long-standing diplomatic position adopted at the United Nations.
Assertions suggesting the engagement amounted to “hobnobbing” or promoting a foreign agenda were dismissed as misleading and capable of undermining democratic institutions.
The statement further reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to a principled foreign policy, stressing that all interactions with foreign missions are guided by transparency, respect for international law, and Nigeria’s national interest.
“Several envoys have made similar visits to this office and other government officials at both national and subnational levels,” the statement noted.
Hon. Oke also expressed his willingness to meet with the Ambassador of Palestine in Nigeria at the shortest notice, underscoring the importance of maintaining balanced, fact-based diplomacy.
“We trust that transparent and fact-based dialogue will continue to guide Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements,” the statement concluded.
The clarification was signed by Tunji Iyanda, Senior Legislative Aide to Hon. Oluwole Oke.
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