By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, on Thursday announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa. Fani-Kayode disclosed the development in a statement, explaining that he requested the reassignment after his initial nomination to Germany. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar supported the request before the President granted final approval.
Fani-Kayode Explains Why He Preferred South Africa
Fani-Kayode stated that he formally wrote to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express concerns about the Germany posting. He requested deployment to South Africa instead.
According to him, personal considerations influenced the decision. He explained that he wanted to serve in a country he had never visited before.
The former minister also highlighted South Africa’s economic strength and political relationship with Nigeria. He said the country aligns with his pan-African foreign policy beliefs.
“I expressed my preference to serve in a country that shares some of my convictions and values in global affairs,” he stated.
He added that South Africa maintains closer ties with Nigeria and possesses Africa’s largest economy.
Tinubu Approves Redeployment Request
Fani-Kayode revealed that Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar approved the request and forwarded it to President Tinubu.
He confirmed that the President 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 said.
The former minister also disclosed that the reassignment followed a mutual exchange arrangement involving Senator Sam Enang. Enang had originally been posted to South Africa but later opted for Germany.
Fani-Kayode Denies Germany Rejection Reports
Meanwhile, Fani-Kayode dismissed reports claiming that the German government rejected his appointment.
He described the reports as false, malicious and intended to damage his reputation and embarrass the Federal Government.
According to him, German authorities never issued any official communication rejecting his appointment.
He urged journalists and media organisations to verify information before publication to avoid spreading misinformation.
Legal Action Begins Against Media Platform
Fani-Kayode disclosed that he has already initiated legal action against the media platform responsible for the report.
He added that security agencies are also handling the matter.
The former minister thanked President Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approving the redeployment. He also affirmed his readiness to represent Nigeria in South Africa.
