President Tinubu approves Femi Fani-Kayode’s redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa after his request for reassignment

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa following his request for a diplomatic reassignment.

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Fani-Kayode disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official social media account on Thursday, explaining that he personally requested to be moved from his initial posting to Germany for what he described as personal reasons.

He clarified that contrary to media reports, Germany did not reject his nomination, describing such claims as false and misleading.

According to him, he was originally posted to Germany but later approached the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to request a reassignment to South Africa.

He said his decision was influenced by his preference for serving in a country he believes shares stronger political and ideological alignment with his Pan-African views and foreign policy interests.

“I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values when it comes to world affairs,” he said, adding that South Africa’s economic and diplomatic significance in Africa also influenced his choice.

Fani-Kayode stated that his request was positively received by Tuggar, who subsequently forwarded it to President Tinubu for approval.

He further disclosed that Sam Enang, who was initially posted to South Africa, agreed to a diplomatic swap that resulted in his reassignment to Germany.

The former minister strongly dismissed reports suggesting that his initial posting to Germany was rejected, describing the claims as defamatory and deliberately misleading.

He accused an unnamed online platform of publishing what he called fabricated information aimed at damaging his reputation and embarrassing the Federal Government.

Fani-Kayode added that petitions had been filed with relevant security agencies over the report, while legal proceedings for defamation had also been initiated.

He maintained that no official document exists to support claims that Germany rejected his appointment and challenged those behind the report to provide evidence.

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The former minister also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve Nigeria in his new diplomatic role, describing South Africa as a country with a significant historical and political legacy.