By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has clarified that his redeployment from Germany was based on personal choice, insisting he rejected the European posting and formally requested to serve in South Africa.
Fani-Kayode said he made the move shortly after his initial nomination to Germany, explaining that he communicated his concerns to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
According to him, the request was driven by personal reasons as well as his long-standing desire to serve in Africa, particularly in a country he believes aligns more closely with his political and diplomatic outlook.
“I rejected Germany and asked Mr President to post me to South Africa instead,” he stated, adding that he had spent much of his life in Europe and preferred a posting that reflects his pan-African convictions.
He noted that the Foreign Affairs Minister considered his request and forwarded it to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved the redeployment. Fani-Kayode expressed appreciation to both the minister and the president for granting his request.
The former minister also acknowledged Senator Sam Enang, who was initially posted to South Africa but agreed to switch postings and take up the Germany assignment.
Addressing reports that he was rejected by German authorities, Fani-Kayode described the claims as false and malicious, accusing an online publication of fabricating the story to tarnish his image and that of the Federal Government.
He maintained that no such rejection ever occurred and challenged those behind the report to provide documentary evidence. He further revealed that he has initiated legal and security actions against those responsible for the publication.
Fani-Kayode said he felt compelled to set the record straight following concerns raised by associates, reiterating his readiness to serve in South Africa, which he described as a nation he admires for its history and strategic importance in Africa.
