President Bola Tinubu has resubmitted former Kebbi State Governor Usman Dakingari to the Senate for confirmation as an ambassador.
This comes weeks after his earlier nomination was withdrawn following controversy over his inclusion.
The nomination was conveyed in a letter read on the Senate floor on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the letter, Tinubu said the appointment was made pursuant to Section 171, subsections (1), (2)(c) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
The President 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.”
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After the letter was read, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening and directed 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 said Dakingari’s political background aligned more with a political appointment than a professional foreign service role, noting that the screening would reflect that distinction.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs is expected to conclude its review and submit its report within the stipulated timeframe.
The nomination forms part of the Tinubu administration’s effort to fill vacant diplomatic positions and strengthen Nigeria’s representation across foreign missions that 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.
That inclusion sparked debate within political and diplomatic circles, leading to the withdrawal of his name from the list about two weeks ago.
The fresh submission effectively reopens consideration of Dakingari’s appointment, this time through a formal confirmation process by the Senate.
