FORMER Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has disclosed that he personally requested for his redeployment to South Africa as ambassador-designate, two days after the initial announcement of his posting to Germany.
Fani-Kayode made this known in a statement he personally signed on Thursday in Abuja. He explained that his preference for South Africa was because he knew that it would enable him to contribute more effectively and positively to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives in Africa.
“Having spent most of my life in Europe, I preferred to serve in an African country with closer ties to Nigeria and shared perspectives on Pan-African cooperation and international affairs,” he said.
The new ambassador-designate to South Africa also cited personal reasons, alongside his long-standing interest in South Africa, and other African countries.
“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.
Fani-Kayode further explained that he initially made a formal representation to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, to facilitate the swapping of his posting with Sen. Ita Enang, who was earlier posted there.
“I also expressed the fact that I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values when it comes to world affairs.
“I said I preferred country that has the biggest economy in Africa; that has closer ties to Nigeria and that is more proximate to my political thinking when it comes to foreign affairs and a pan-African vision.
“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 said.
Fani-Kayode also acknowledged the role played by Sen. Ita Enang, who agreed to the redeployment arrangement that saw him move to Germany instead.
While dismissing some earlier media reports about what was going on as “misleading and inaccurate,” the ambassador-designate further admonished the media to always exercise professionalism in their reportage.
Fani-Kayode said reports claiming that Germany rejected his appointment were “false and malicious,” aimed at tarnishing his image and embarrassing Nigeria, stressing that Germany never issued any official communication rejecting him.
“If there was such a formal rejection, I challenge them to bring the proof with documentary evidence,” he said, adding: “I repeat, this never happened, and I urge the media to be far more circumspect with such reports,” he added.
He explained that the statement became necessary following the wave of enquiries and concerns expressed by his associates and supporters over the reports circulating in a section of the media.
According to him, his legal team and relevant authorities have already been briefed for necessary action regarding certain publications about the issue, which he considers defamatory.
While expressing appreciation over the redeployment, he welcomed the new development and pledged to serve Nigeria diligently in that capacity.
The ambassador-designate added that he looked forward to serving Nigeria in South Africa, which he described as a country with a remarkable and inspiring history.
Fani-Kayode earlier announced his redeployment on his X handle on Thursday, saying his initial posting to Germany was reviewed following his request for redeployment. (NAN)
