My Posting To South Africa Was My Choice, Germany Never Rejected Me — Fani-Kayode

Former Aviation Minister and Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has clarified the circumstances surrounding his diplomatic posting, stating that his redeployment from Germany to South Africa was based on personal preference and not due to any rejection by the German government.

In a statement released on Friday, Fani-Kayode disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa after he formally requested a redeployment from Germany.

According to him, he had initially been posted to Germany but later informed the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, that he was not comfortable with the posting for personal reasons.

Fani-Kayode explained that having lived most of his life in Europe, he preferred South Africa, a country he said he had never visited but greatly admired due to its political history, economic strength and pan-African outlook.

He said he also preferred serving in a country whose foreign policy orientation and values align more closely with his convictions on African affairs.

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The former minister noted that after considering his request, Tuggar conveyed it to President Tinubu, who subsequently approved the redeployment.

He expressed gratitude to both President Tinubu and Tuggar for granting the request, while also thanking Senator Sam Enang, who was initially posted to South Africa but agreed to swap postings and proceed to Germany instead.

Fani-Kayode further dismissed reports alleging that Germany rejected his appointment, describing the claims as false, malicious and fabricated.

He accused an unnamed online publication of publishing sensational and defamatory reports aimed at embarrassing him, the Federal Government and President Tinubu.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the report was sponsored and deliberately crafted to tarnish his image and career.

He added that the matter had been reported to relevant security agencies, while his legal team had also been instructed to commence civil action against those behind the publication for defamation.

Fani-Kayode explained that the controversy began after an agreement sent to South Africa by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 13 was leaked and wrongly interpreted by the publication as evidence that Germany had rejected him.

He challenged those behind the report to produce documentary evidence of any alleged rejection, insisting that no such incident ever occurred.

The ambassador-designate urged media organisations to exercise greater professionalism and caution in their reporting.

He said the clarification became necessary following concerns expressed by friends, associates and supporters over the reports.

Fani-Kayode added that he looks forward to serving Nigeria in South Africa, a country he described as admirable and historically inspiring.