FORMER Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.
News Point Nigeria reports that Fani-Kayode made the disclosure in a statement issued on Thursday, explaining that the decision followed his personal request to be reassigned after he was initially nominated for a diplomatic posting to Germany.
According to the former minister, he formally communicated his concerns regarding the Germany posting to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and requested consideration for deployment to South Africa instead.
He stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, approved the request and subsequently forwarded it to President Tinubu, who later granted final approval for the reassignment.
“It gives me pleasure to announce that Mr President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa,” Fani-Kayode wrote.
Explaining the reasons behind his preference for South Africa, the former minister said 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 political outlook, economic standing and relationship with Nigeria also played significant roles in shaping his decision.
“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 stated.
Fani-Kayode further disclosed that the redeployment was made possible through a mutual exchange arrangement involving Senator Sam Enang, who had originally been posted to South Africa but later opted for Germany.
The former minister also dismissed reports alleging that the German government rejected his appointment, describing the claims as false, malicious and deliberately aimed at tarnishing his image as well as embarrassing the Federal Government.
According to him, no official communication rejecting his appointment was ever issued by German authorities.
He revealed that legal steps had already been initiated against the media platform responsible for the report, adding that the matter had also been reported to relevant security agencies.
Fani-Kayode urged journalists and media organisations to always verify information before publication in order to avoid spreading misinformation.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for approving his redeployment, while affirming his readiness to represent Nigeria in South Africa.