Why was Wilson sent to Niger?

[Dhalgren]

I have not found a "real" explanation as to why the CIA sent Wilson to Niger to look into the yellow cake business. The CIA has to have assets in Niger - had to have had them in 2002. When the VP's office asked for more information on the topic, why did the CIA send a public figure, married to a CIA agent and not simply have an asset give a detailed report? That is something that I have never really understood. Was the CIA trying to somehow "set up" the Glorious Leader and his thugs? Was there some reason that they needed to send someone of Wilson's position? I will admit, up front, that I may be just missing this...