Fani-Kayode confirms appointment as Ambassador to South Africa, denies Germany rejection claims
Former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has announced his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a statement on Thursday, Fani-Kayode said
Former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has announced his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement on Thursday, Fani-Kayode said the appointment came after he formally requested a redeployment from an earlier posting to Germany, citing personal and professional considerations.
He explained that although he had initially been announced for Germany, he wrote to the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, requesting a change of posting, citing his personal interest in South Africa and its strategic relevance to Nigeria.
According to him, his request was based on his desire to serve in a country he had never visited, but which aligns closely with his convictions on international relations and pan-African engagement.
“I made a formal representation that I was not comfortable with Germany for personal reasons and preferred South Africa, a country I have never been to but have a great interest in,” he said.
Fani-Kayode said the request was considered and approved after discussions with the Foreign Affairs Minister, who subsequently conveyed it to President Tinubu for final approval.
“I will be eternally grateful to Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this favourable consideration,” he stated.
He also acknowledged Senator Sam Enang, who was initially posted to South Africa but agreed to a swap arrangement that saw him reassigned to Germany.
The former minister dismissed reports alleging that he was rejected by Germany, describing them as false and malicious.
He said no such rejection occurred and insisted that the reports were fabricated by what he called an irresponsible online platform driven by sensationalism and misinformation.
Fani-Kayode further alleged that the publication was sponsored with the intent to damage his reputation and embarrass the Federal Government and President Tinubu.
He stated that the matter had been reported to security agencies and that legal action had been initiated for defamation.
According to him, the false narrative emerged after an internal communication regarding his redeployment was leaked and misrepresented.
He challenged those behind the reports to produce evidence of any alleged rejection from Germany, insisting that none existed.
Fani-Kayode said he decided to clarify the situation in response to concerns from friends and associates, adding that he remains committed to serving Nigeria.
He expressed optimism about his new diplomatic assignment, describing South Africa as a nation he respects for its history and continental significance.
