By Mohammed Bello Doka
Former Minister of Aviation and Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has dismissed widespread reports that the German government rejected his diplomatic nomination, insisting that his redeployment to South Africa was a personal decision rooted in ideology, preference and a broader Pan-African vision.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, Fani-Kayode said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his request to serve in South Africa after he formally appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a change in posting.
According to him, although his initial diplomatic assignment was Germany, he was uncomfortable with the European posting for personal reasons and instead preferred South Africa, a country he described as sharing many of his political convictions and worldview.
The former minister explained that having spent a significant part of his life in Europe, he desired a fresh diplomatic experience on the African continent, particularly in a nation he deeply admired for its history, economic strength and continental influence.
Fani-Kayode said South Africa’s position as Africa’s largest economy, its historical ties with Nigeria and its alignment with his Pan-African ideals made the country a more suitable destination for him.
He disclosed that shortly after the original announcement of his posting to Germany, he contacted the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, requesting redeployment to Pretoria.
The ambassador-designate praised Tuggar for what he described as a fair and understanding consideration of his request before forwarding it to President Tinubu, who eventually approved the redeployment.
He also expressed appreciation to Senator Ita Enang, who was initially designated for South Africa but reportedly agreed to switch postings and proceed to Germany instead.
Addressing the controversy surrounding reports that Germany had declined to accept him as ambassador, Fani-Kayode maintained that no such rejection ever occurred.
He accused an unnamed online publication of fabricating the story in a deliberate attempt to embarrass him, the Federal Government and the Nigerian presidency.
Describing the publication as “irresponsible” and driven by sensationalism, he alleged that the report was based on gossip and malicious speculation rather than verified diplomatic communication.
Fani-Kayode further claimed that preliminary findings suggested the report was sponsored and intentionally designed to tarnish his image locally and internationally.
The former minister said petitions had already been submitted to relevant security agencies while his legal team had been instructed to commence defamation proceedings against those behind the publication.
He challenged the media platform to produce documentary evidence proving any formal rejection by the German authorities, insisting that no such communication exists.
According to him, what transpired was merely the transmission of diplomatic agreements connected to his preferred redeployment to South Africa, which was later distorted and weaponised by critics.
Fani-Kayode urged journalists and media organisations to exercise greater professionalism and caution in handling sensitive diplomatic matters.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to serving Nigeria in South Africa, describing the country as one he respects immensely because of its “remarkable and inspiring history.”
Abuja Network News