Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - President Bola Tinubu has re-nominated former Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Dakingari, for appointment as an ambassador.
The fresh nomination comes about two weeks after Dakingari’s
name was earlier forwarded to the Senate and subsequently withdrawn amid
controversy.
His initial nomination had generated debate after he was
listed alongside nominees designated for postings to the United States, United
Kingdom and France, a development that sparked discussions and led to the
withdrawal of his name from the earlier list.
Tinubu’s letter conveying the renewed nomination was read
during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The president said the appointment was made pursuant to
Section 171(1), (2)(c) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the
nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening, directing
the panel to submit its report within one week.
However, during deliberations, senators clarified that the
nomination was for a non-career ambassadorship, despite the wording of the
presidential letter, which appeared to indicate a career diplomatic posting.
Lawmakers noted that Dakingari’s political background and
public service history aligned more with a political appointment than a
professional foreign service role, stressing that the screening would proceed
on that basis.
The fresh submission formally reopens consideration of his
appointment, subject to the Senate’s confirmation process.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs is expected to
conclude its screening and report back to the chamber within the stipulated
timeframe.
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