Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, following an earlier assignment to Germany.
In a statement on Thursday, Fani-Kayode explained that he personally requested a change shortly after the initial posting, asking to be reassigned to South Africa for what he described as personal and ideological considerations.
He said he made the request through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, noting that he preferred serving in a country he believes aligns more closely with his political outlook and Pan-African beliefs.
“I expressed that I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values when it comes to world affairs… and aligns more with my political thinking and pan-African vision,” he said.
According to him, the request was made just two days after the initial announcement and was subsequently conveyed to President Tinubu, who approved it.
Fani-Kayode also expressed appreciation to both President Tinubu and Ambassador Tuggar for approving the redeployment, while thanking Senator Sam Enang, who was initially posted to South Africa, for agreeing to a swap that sent him to Germany.
He further denied reports suggesting he was rejected by Germany, describing the claim as false and misleading.
“Germany NEVER formally rejected me. That story was not only irresponsible and insulting but was also a complete fabrication based on hearsay, beer parlour talk and cheap gossip,” he stated.
