Forrmer Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has confirmed his posting as Nigeria’s High Commissioner-Designate to South Africa, following the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Fani-Kayode disclosed that he personally requested a redeployment from Germany to South Africa after the initial diplomatic postings were announced.
According to him, the request was based on personal considerations and his desire to serve in a country whose political and foreign policy outlook aligns more closely with his Pan-African beliefs and convictions.
The former Minister of Aviation stated that he conveyed his concerns to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who later presented the request to President Tinubu for approval.
Fani-Kayode expressed appreciation to both President Tinubu and Ambassador Tuggar for what he described as their favourable consideration.
He also thanked Senator Ita Enang, who was originally posted to South Africa, for agreeing to a mutual redeployment arrangement that saw him moved to Germany instead.
The High Commissioner-Designate, however, dismissed reports alleging that Germany rejected his nomination, describing the claims as false, malicious, and defamatory.
Fani-Kayode accused an unnamed online publication of publishing fabricated reports intended to embarrass him, the Federal Government, and President Tinubu.
He said preliminary investigations suggest the report was sponsored and deliberately designed to damage his reputation both locally and internationally.
According to him, petitions have already been submitted to relevant security agencies, while his legal team has been directed to commence civil proceedings against those responsible for the publication.
Fani-Kayode maintained that no formal rejection was ever issued by Germany and challenged those behind the reports to provide documentary evidence to support their claims.
He added that he looks forward to serving Nigeria in South Africa, a country he described as admirable and historically inspiring.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
