By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally transmitted the name of former Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Sa’idu Usman Dakingari, to the Senate for confirmation as an ambassadorial nominee.
The request, contained in an official letter read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Tinubu cited Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in his request, urging the Red Chamber to provide “expeditious consideration” for the nominee.
The letter reads: “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 fresh nomination comes roughly two weeks after a procedural “glitch” made national headlines. In late January, the Presidency had included Dakingari on a list of postings to Turkey, mistakenly suggesting he was among the 68 nominees already cleared by the Senate in December 2024.
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.
