Former Minister of Aviation and Culture, Femi Fani-Kayode, has clarified the circumstances surrounding his redeployment from Germany to South Africa as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate.
In a statement released on Thursday, Fani-Kayode revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his request to serve in South Africa after he personally appealed for a change in posting.
According to him, he was initially assigned to Germany but later informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that he preferred South Africa for personal and ideological reasons. He explained that having spent most of his life in Europe, he desired a new environment and believed South Africa aligned more closely with his views on African unity, foreign policy, and Pan-Africanism.
Fani-Kayode also noted that South Africa’s economic strength and strong relationship with Nigeria influenced his decision. He expressed gratitude to former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and President Tinubu for approving the redeployment request.
He further thanked Senator Sam Enang, who was originally nominated for South Africa, for agreeing to exchange postings and move to Germany instead.
Addressing reports that Germany rejected his appointment, Fani-Kayode dismissed the claims as false and malicious. He accused an unnamed online publication of spreading fabricated stories intended to damage his reputation and embarrass both him and the Federal Government.
The former minister insisted Germany never officially rejected him and challenged those behind the reports to provide evidence supporting their claims.
He disclosed that legal and security actions had already been initiated against those responsible for the publication, describing the report as “sensational,” “malicious,” and lacking journalistic professionalism.
Fani-Kayode maintained that the controversy began after diplomatic communication sent to South Africa on March 13 was leaked and wrongly interpreted as proof that Germany had declined his appointment.
He concluded by expressing optimism about representing Nigeria in South Africa, describing the country as one he deeply admires because of its rich and inspiring history.