Fani-Kayode was transferred to South Africa following the posting of ambassador to Germany

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa.

Fani-Kayode who announced this on Thursday stated that the appointment came after he formally requested re-deployment from his previous posting to Germany, citing personal and professional considerations.

He explained that although it was initially announced that he would be leaving for Germany, he wrote to the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, requesting a change of post, citing his personal interests in South Africa and its strategic relevance to Nigeria.

According to him, his request was based on his desire to serve in a country he had never visited, but was in line with his belief in international relations and pan-African engagement.

“I made a formal statement that I am not comfortable with Germany for personal reasons and prefer South Africa, a country I have never visited but am very interested in,” he said.

Fani-Kayode said the request was considered and approved after discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who then presented it to President Tinubu for final approval.

READ ALSO: DPR records more defections due to El’ Rufai’s son, others dump APC, PDP

“I will be eternally grateful to Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this kind consideration,” he said.

He also recognized Senator Sam Enang, who was initially stationed in South Africa but agreed to an exchange agreement that saw him transferred to Germany.

The former minister dismissed reports alleging he was rejected by Germany, describing them as fake and malicious news.

He said no denial had taken place and insisted that the report was produced by what he called an irresponsible online platform driven by sensationalism and misinformation.

Fani-Kayode further alleged that the publication was sponsored with the intent to damage his reputation and embarrass the Federal Government and President Tinubu.

He stated that the matter had been reported to security agencies and legal action had been initiated for defamation.

According to him, the false narrative emerged after internal communications regarding his transfer were leaked and misinterpreted.

He challenged those behind the report to provide evidence of Germany’s alleged denials, and insisted that none existed.

Fani-Kayode said he decided to clarify the situation in response to concerns from friends and colleagues, adding that he remained committed to serving Nigeria.

He expressed optimism about his new diplomatic assignment, and described South Africa as a country he respects because of the continent’s history and significance.