President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the name of former Kebbi State Governor, Usman Dakingari, to the Senate for confirmation as an ambassador, barely two weeks after his earlier nomination was withdrawn amid controversy.
The nomination was conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In the letter, the President said the appointment was made pursuant to the provisions of Section 171, subsections (1), (2)(c) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Tinubu urged the upper chamber to give the nomination expeditious consideration, while assuring the Senate President of his highest regards.
The letter read, “Distinguished Senate President, request for the confirmation of a career ambassador. I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Usman Dakingari as career ambassador.
“Whilst I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept the assurances of my highest constitution.”
After the letter was read, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening, directing the panel to report back to the chamber within one week.
However, during deliberations, senators clarified that the nomination was for a non-career ambassadorship position, despite the wording of the presidential letter, which appeared to suggest a career diplomatic posting.
Lawmakers noted that Dakingari’s profile and political background were more consistent with a political appointment rather than a professional foreign service role, stressing that the screening would be conducted with that distinction in mind.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs is expected to conclude its review and submit its report within the stipulated timeframe.
The nomination is part of the Tinubu administration’s broader effort to fill vacant diplomatic positions and strengthen Nigeria’s representation across key foreign missions, many of which have remained unoccupied since the change of government.
In January, the Presidency had listed Dakingari as an ambassador-designate to Turkey, even though his name did not appear among nominees earlier confirmed by the Senate.
His inclusion sparked debate within political and diplomatic circles, leading to the subsequent withdrawal of his name from the list about two weeks ago.
The fresh submission to the Senate effectively reopens consideration of Dakingari’s appointment, this time through a formal confirmation process by the upper legislative chamber.
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