Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa following his request for reassignment from Germany.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Fani-Kayode said he formally appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after he was initially nominated for a diplomatic posting to Germany.
According to him, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, approved the request and forwarded it to President Tinubu, who later granted final approval for the redeployment.
“It gives me pleasure to announce that Mr President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa,” he stated.
Fani-Kayode explained that his decision was influenced by personal considerations and his desire to serve in a country he had never previously visited despite spending much of his life in Europe.
He added that South Africa’s economic position, political outlook, and diplomatic relationship with Nigeria also played a role in his preference.
“I expressed my preference to serve in a country that shares some of my convictions and values in global affairs, possesses the largest economy in Africa, maintains closer ties with Nigeria, and aligns more closely with my pan-African foreign policy perspective,” he said.
The former minister also revealed that the redeployment was facilitated through a mutual exchange arrangement involving Senator Sam Enang, who had initially been posted to South Africa before opting for Germany instead.
Fani-Kayode dismissed reports alleging that the German government rejected his nomination, describing the claims as false and malicious.
He insisted that no official communication rejecting his appointment had been issued by German authorities and accused those behind the reports of attempting to embarrass both him and the Federal Government.
According to him, legal action has already been initiated against the media platform that published the report, while security agencies have also been notified.
He urged journalists and media organisations to verify information before publication to avoid spreading misinformation.
