Barely a day after announcing new ambassadorial appointments, the presidency has withdrawn the posting of Usman Dakingari, former governor of Kebbi State, as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Turkey.

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, confirmed in a statement on Thursday night that President Bola Tinubu had approved the postings of four ambassadors-designate from the over 60 nominees confirmed by the Senate last December. Among them, Kayode Are, ex-director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), was appointed ambassador-designate to the United States; Ayodele Oke, former director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), was posted to France; and Amin Dalhatu, ex-ambassador to South Korea, was appointed high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom.

Dakingari’s appointment was initially made ahead of President Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to Turkey next week. However, a statement released on Friday by the State House clarified that no ambassador had been appointed to Turkey. The statement reiterated the appointments of Are, Oke, and Dalhatu, omitting Dakingari’s rescinded posting.

The presidency did not provide a reason for the reversal. Onanuga added that Tinubu had sent memos to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally notify the respective governments of the three countries, following standard diplomatic procedures.