Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa following his request to be reassigned from Germany.
Fani-Kayode disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that he had initially been posted to Germany but sought a transfer shortly after the announcement.
According to him, the request was informed by personal considerations and his preference to serve in a country whose foreign policy direction and Pan-African outlook align with his convictions.
He said the request was favourably considered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who subsequently forwarded it to the President for approval.
Fani-Kayode expressed gratitude to both Tuggar and President Tinubu for granting the redeployment.
He also appreciated Senator Sam Enang, who was originally assigned to South Africa, for agreeing to a swap arrangement that saw him redeployed to Germany.
The former minister, however, dismissed reports claiming that Germany rejected his nomination, describing the allegations as “false”, “malicious” and “fabricated”.
According to him, the reports were circulated by “an irresponsible online magazine” allegedly seeking to embarrass him, the Federal Government and the President.
Fani-Kayode insisted that there was no formal rejection from Germany and challenged those behind the reports to provide evidence.
He further disclosed that petitions had been submitted to relevant security agencies against the platform and individuals responsible for the publication.
The ambassador-designate added that he had instructed his legal team to initiate a civil defamation suit over the matter.
Explaining the development, Fani-Kayode said the controversy stemmed from an agreement sent to South Africa by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 13, which was leaked and misrepresented as proof that Germany had rejected him.
He accused those behind the publication of spreading falsehoods and abandoning professional journalism standards.
Fani-Kayode said the clarification became necessary following concerns raised by his associates and supporters.
He added that he looks forward to serving as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, a country he described as admirable and historically inspiring.
