A Diplomat with a Dream for Nigeria’s Future: Santuraki Hails Senator Grace Bent’s Nomination as Ambassador

By Emmanuel Kwada 

Public affairs analyst Usman Santuraki has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination of former Senator Grace Folashade Bent as Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate as “highly commendable,” saying the appointment has been warmly received across Adamawa State.

In a statement issued from his residence at No. 2 Santuraki Close, Demsawo, Jimeta-Yola, Santuraki praised Senator Bent, affectionately called “Goggo” by her constituents, as a detribalised Nigerian with an outstanding record of service and a clear vision for the country’s future.

“The nomination of Distinguished Senator Grace Folashade Bent by President Bola Tinubu is one of the best decisions in the current ambassadorial list,” Santuraki said. “The people of Adamawa, particularly the Southern Senatorial Zone, are proud that a woman of her calibre will represent Nigeria on the global stage.”

Senator Bent, who represented Adamawa South in the 7th Senate (2011–2015) under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is widely remembered for what many describe as the most impactful representation the zone has ever had.

During her tenure, she focused on delivering tangible dividends of democracy, a departure from previous representatives, according to Santuraki.

“It is in the public domain that the zone had never experienced such quality representation until Senator Bent’s election,” he noted.

“She changed the face of legislative representation by prioritising the needs of the people and delivering unprecedented development projects.”

After moving to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bent played a pivotal role in President Tinubu’s 2023 campaign in Adamawa State, campaigning vigorously across the Southern Zone and beyond.

“Her defection to the APC was not just political realignment; it was a demonstration of her belief in President Tinubu’s vision for a renewed Nigeria,” Santuraki added.

“She worked tirelessly for his victory because she saw in him a leader who shares her dream for national progress.”

Santuraki expressed confidence that Senator Bent will bring the same energy, courage, and results-oriented leadership to her new diplomatic role.

“As Ambassador, she will put her hands on deck to foster robust and harmonious relations with her host country. Wherever she is posted; whether to a strategic bilateral mission, the United Nations, UNESCO, or the African Union, she will raise Nigeria’s flag with dignity and purpose,” he said.

He further commended President Tinubu for recognising merit and competence in the nomination process, describing Senator Bent as “one of the best ambassadorial nominees on the list.”

“With distinguished envoys like Senator Grace Bent, Nigeria’s strained relationships with some countries will soon become a thing of the past,” Santuraki concluded.

“This nomination is a step toward the comprehensive restructuring of our diplomatic representation that President Tinubu has promised.”

The nomination of Senator Grace Bent is part of a broader list of ambassadorial designates recently forwarded by President Tinubu to the Senate for confirmation.

Once confirmed, the new ambassadors will be deployed to missions critical to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.