Tinubu Approves Fani-Kayode’s Redeployment as Ambassador-Designate to South Africa
Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa following his request for a change from an earlier posting to Germany.
Fani-Kayode disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that the redeployment came after he formally wrote to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, expressing reservations about serving in Germany for what he described as “personal reasons.”
According to him, he preferred South Africa because he had never lived there and believed the country aligned more closely with his political convictions, Pan-African outlook, and views on global affairs.
“This came a few days after the initial posting to Germany was announced and after I made a formal representation to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, that I was not comfortable with Germany for a number of personal reasons,” he stated.
Fani-Kayode said he requested redeployment to South Africa because of the country’s strategic role on the continent, its economic strength, and its closer ties with Nigeria.
“I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values when it comes to world affairs, that has the biggest economy in Africa, that has closer ties to Nigeria and that is more proximate to my political thinking when it comes to foreign affairs and a Pan-African vision,” he added.
The former minister disclosed that Ambassador Tuggar considered his request favourably and subsequently forwarded it to President Tinubu, who approved the redeployment.
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He expressed gratitude to both President Tinubu and the former foreign affairs minister for granting the request.
Fani-Kayode also appreciated Senator Sam Enang, who was initially posted to South Africa, for agreeing to a “straight swap” that saw him moved to Germany instead.
The ambassador-designate used the opportunity to dismiss reports claiming that Germany had rejected his nomination, describing the publication as false, malicious, and aimed at damaging his reputation.
“I once again confirm that this was my choice and that Germany never formally rejected me,” he said.
He accused an unnamed online publication of spreading fabricated claims and attempting to embarrass him, the Federal Government, and President Tinubu.
According to him, preliminary investigations suggested that the report was sponsored and written with malicious intent.
“We have reported the online magazine and the individuals behind it to the relevant security agencies for necessary action,” he said, adding that his lawyers had also been instructed to initiate a civil suit for defamation.
Fani-Kayode explained that the controversy arose after a diplomatic agreement was reportedly sent to South Africa by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 13, which he said was leaked and misrepresented as evidence that Germany had rejected him.
He challenged those behind the report to produce documentary evidence of any formal rejection.
“If there was such a formal rejection, I challenge them to bring the proof with documentary evidence. I repeat, this never happened,” he stated.
The former minister said he issued the clarification in response to concerns expressed by friends and associates over the reports.
He also expressed optimism about his new diplomatic assignment, saying he looked forward to serving in South Africa, a country he described as admirable because of its “remarkable and inspiring history.”
By PRNigeria
