Tinubu resubmits former Kebbi Governor Dakingari’s name for ambassadorial role

President Bola Tinubu has again submitted the name of former Kebbi State Governor Usman Dakingari to the Senate for confirmation as an ambassador, about two weeks after his earlier nomination was withdrawn.

The request was contained in a letter read on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

In the letter, Tinubu said the nomination was made under Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urged the Senate to treat it expeditiously.

“I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Usman Dakingari as ambassador,” the president wrote.

He added, “I hope the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously.”

After the letter was read, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening, directing the committee to report back within one week.

However, during discussions, some senators noted that the appointment should be regarded as a non-career ambassadorial post, despite the wording of the president’s letter, which described it as a career position.

Lawmakers argued that Dakingari’s political background aligns with a political appointment rather than a professional foreign service role, stressing that this distinction would guide the screening process.

The Foreign Affairs Committee is expected to complete its work and submit its report within the approved timeframe.

The nomination forms part of the Tinubu administration’s effort to fill vacant ambassadorial positions and strengthen Nigeria’s presence in key foreign missions, many of which have remained vacant since the change of government.

In January, Dakingari was earlier listed as ambassador-designate to Turkey, although his name was not among those initially confirmed by the Senate.

The move sparked debate in political and diplomatic circles, leading to the withdrawal of his name from the list.

With the new submission, the Senate has now reopened consideration of Dakingari’s appointment through a formal confirmation process.

Tinubu resubmits former Kebbi Governor Dakingari’s name for ambassadorial role