Presidency Withdraws Dakingari’s Nomination as Ambassador to Turkey in Sudden U-turn

The Presidency has reversed the posting of Usman Dakingari Suleiman as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Turkey.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier announced the postings of four ambassadors, including Dakingari, a former governor of Kebbi State, on Thursday night.

He stated, “Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, former governor of Kebbi, is the ambassador-designate to Turkey,” and also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu, who recently returned from a three-week overseas trip, planned to visit Turkey next week.

However, shortly after the announcement, Onanuga issued a follow-up statement, revealing a change of course. “Please note that there was a naming mix-up for the ambassador-designate to Turkey. The posting is undergoing review. Thanks for your understanding,” he explained.

Despite this reversal, Onanuga confirmed that the postings of other ambassadors—Ayodele Oke to France, Lateef Are to the United States, and Amin Dalhatu to the United Kingdom—remained unaffected.

The President has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify the respective countries about the confirmed appointments, in line with diplomatic protocols.

BIGPEN NIGERIA reports it is not clear what led to a sudden U-turn in Nigeria’s diplomatic posting to Turkey where the President is set for a state visit soon.