President Bola Tinubu has reportedly removed the name of Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, the former governor of Kebbi state, as the ambassador-designate to Turkey.

In an earlier statement by Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, the former governor’s appointment came ahead of the president’s visit to the country, which was scheduled for next week.

However, The Punch reported that a few hours later, the presidential aide issued another statement, saying there was a mix-up in the name and that the postings were still under review.

In the updated list, the former governor’s name was removed, and only three names were listed as ambassadors-designate. These included Ambassador Ayodele Oke as the designated ambassador to France, and Colonel Lateef Are as the designated ambassador to the United States of America.

The updated list also included the posting of Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, who previously served as the ambassador to South Korea, as the high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom.

Nigerians react as Tinubu adjusts ambassadorial list
The development has been met with mixed reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their reactions:

Hon. Nuhu Sada alleged that the move was based on political calculation: “When political calculations outweigh merit, even former governors can be shown the door. Who truly benefits from these last-minute reversals?”

Nuraddeen Samaila claimed that the former governor was not on the list screened by the Senate: “I wanted to ask Imran questions about the inclusion of Dakin Gari, knowing he is not on the list screened by Nass.”

Masterpiece expressed his expectations from the ambassadors-designate: “Very interesting update and very, very big congratulations to them all on their well-deserved ambassadorial appointment. We just hope and charged them to truly represent the values and integrity of our country, Nigeria, in truth and honesty, defend our national image and preserve our heritage as a country.”

Ayo Ajibowu congratulated the appointee: “Congratulations to them. Diplomacy isn’t just about the title but being able to defend the honour and value of the country you are representing. I hope they will do a better job than their predecessors.”

Olabomi Ayodeji reacted to the earlier statement: “While Ambassador Amin Dalhatu’s posting to the U.K. and Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman to Turkey reflect Nigeria’s intent to reinforce relationships with both European and regional partners. These appointments will likely play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy.”

The Niger Delta Progressive Youths Leadership Foundation (NDPYLF), Rivers State Chapter, has challenged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to account of ₦350 million released to each member of the house in 2025 for constituency projects..

The group said the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly must explain how it utilized ₦9.1bn they accumulative received.

NDPYLF demanded that the lawmakers provide a detailed breakdown of projects executed or underway tied to the said funds and indicate the locations and current status of such projects.

The group made the disclosure in a statement signed by its Rivers State Chairman, Isaiah Johnson Obiechere on Wednesday, insisting that the information be made accessible to constituents and the general public, stressing that Rivers residents deserve clarity on how public funds allocated in their name were spent.

The advocacy group warned that failure to comply with the ultimatum would compel it to pursue lawful actions, including public protests, petitions to relevant anti-corruption agencies, and sustained advocacy to ensure accountability.

The statement reads in part, “NDPYLF is deeply concerned that despite the huge allocation meant to directly improve the lives of constituents across Rivers State, there is little to no visible evidence of projects executed in most constituencies.

“This situation raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and respect for the people who entrusted these lawmakers with representation.

“We therefore demand that within seven days, the affected lawmakers should clearly outline the amount received by each constituency, provide a breakdown of projects executed or ongoing, state the locations and current status of such projects, make this information available to their constituents and the general public.

“Failure to do so within the stipulated period will leave NDPYLF with no other option than to take lawful actions, including public protests, petitions to relevant anti-corruption agencies, and sustained advocacy to ensure that Rivers people get justice

The Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its former Lagos East senatorial candidate, Alhaja Saidat Odofin-Fafowora.

She was also the PDP candidate for Ikorodu Central local government in the July 12, 2025 council election.

According to top hierarchy of the party, Alhaja Odofin passed on Monday 19th of January at the age of 55 years.

Announcing the death, the Lagos State PDP Executive Chairman elect, Barrister Amos Fawole, said the party lost a rare gem, disclosing that the incident marks a dark period in the annals of the party in Lagos.

The late Hon. Odofin-Fafowora was a staunch PDP member in the Ikorodu local government area representing the local area twice as the Senatorial candidate.

She was a dependable stalwart and philanthropist in the Ikorodu local government whom many PDP supporters ànd enthusiasts benefitted from.