By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has been reassigned as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa following weeks of controversy surrounding his initial posting to Germany.
Fani-Kayode confirmed the development on Thursday, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the diplomatic reshuffle after he formally requested a redeployment from Germany.
The former minister disclosed that he communicated his concerns to Nigeria’s foreign affairs authorities shortly after the ambassadorial list was announced, insisting that South Africa aligned more closely with his personal interests and foreign policy outlook.
“I was not comfortable with Germany for a number of personal reasons and given the fact that I had lived in Europe most of my life I would prefer to go to South Africa which is a country that I had never been to and for which I have so much interest,” he said.
He further stated that he preferred serving in a country that “shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values when it comes to world affairs,” while describing South Africa as Africa’s biggest economy with stronger political and diplomatic ties to Nigeria.
According to him, former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar considered his request favourably before forwarding it to President Tinubu for approval.
“I therefore made an application for a redeployment to South Africa two days after the initial announcement was made and I am pleased to say that after the then Foreign Minister heard my reasons he considered them favourably after which he conveyed the request to Mr. President who graciously approved it,” Fani-Kayode added.
As part of the diplomatic adjustment, former senator Ita Enang, who was initially assigned to South Africa, will now serve as ambassador-designate to Germany.
The development comes months after reports emerged alleging that the German government rejected Fani-Kayode’s nomination over concerns linked to his past political comments and controversial public statements.
The reports, which circulated widely in March, claimed German authorities were uncomfortable with what was described as his “erratic behaviour” and divisive rhetoric.
However, Fani-Kayode has strongly denied ever being rejected by Germany, insisting the reports were fabricated and politically motivated.
“I take this opportunity to once again confirm that this was my choice and that Germany NEVER formally rejected me,” he said.
He described the publication behind the report as “irresponsible,” accusing it of spreading “sensationalism, lies and blackmail” aimed at embarrassing both him and the Tinubu administration.
The former minister also linked the controversy to a leaked diplomatic communication involving South Africa, alleging that sections of the media maliciously distorted the situation.
He added that his legal team has been instructed to begin defamation proceedings against the publication responsible for the report.
The reassignment is expected to generate fresh debate within Nigeria’s political and diplomatic circles, especially given the sensitivity of ambassadorial appointments and Nigeria’s strategic relationship with both Germany and South Africa.
South Africa remains one of Nigeria’s most important partners on the African continent, with strong economic, political and continental security ties. Observers say Fani-Kayode’s posting could further test perceptions about the Tinubu administration’s diplomatic choices, particularly amid scrutiny over the selection of politically exposed figures for key foreign missions.
The presidency had in March approved the deployment of more than 60 ambassadors-designate to various countries as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally.
The story was first reported by The Cable
