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Usman Dakingari, to the Senate for confirmation as an ambassador, barely two weeks after his earlier nomination was withdrawn amid controversy.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 Senate floor on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Tinubu said the appointment was made in line with Section 171(1), (2)(c) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

In the letter, the President urged the upper chamber to give the nomination expeditious consideration, while extending his assurances of highest regard to the Senate leadership.

Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening, directing the panel to report back within one week.

However, during deliberations, senators clarified that the nomination was for a non-career ambassadorial position, despite the wording of the presidential letter, which appeared to describe it as a career appointment.

Lawmakers noted that Dakingari’s political background aligns more with a political ambassadorship than a professional foreign service role, stressing that the screening would reflect that distinction.

The committee is expected to conclude its review within the stipulated timeframe and submit its report to the Senate.

Dakingari had earlier been listed in January as an ambassador-designate to Turkey, despite not being among nominees previously confirmed by the Senate. His inclusion triggered debate within political and diplomatic circles, leading to the withdrawal of his name about two weeks ago.

The fresh submission effectively reopens consideration of Dakingari’s appointment as part of the Tinubu administration’s effort to fill vacant diplomatic positions and strengthen Nigeria’s foreign representation.