Femi Fani-Kayode has confirmed his redeployment as Nigeria's ambassador to South Africa. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the move following his request to leave Germany.
In a statement Thursday, Fani-Kayode explained he'd sought the transfer shortly after his initial posting to Germany was announced. He cited personal reasons and alignment with South Africa's foreign policy outlook.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar considered the request favorably. Tuggar then took it to President Tinubu for final approval.
Fani-Kayode thanked both Tuggar and the president for backing the redeployment. He also expressed gratitude to Senator Sam Enang, who swapped positions with him.
The ex-aviation minister strongly denied claims that Germany rejected his diplomatic nomination. He called such reports "false," "malicious," and "fabricated."
According to him, an irresponsible online magazine published the allegations to embarrass him, the government, and President Tinubu. He challenged the publishers to provide any documentary proof of German rejection.
No formal rejection from Germany ever occurred, Fani-Kayode insisted. Security agencies have already received petitions against the online platform and those involved.
His legal team has been instructed to file a civil defamation lawsuit. The move comes as he moves to protect his reputation and honor.
Fani-Kayode traced the controversy to a leaked agreement dated March 13. Officials at the Foreign Affairs Ministry sent this document to South Africa, but it was misrepresented as evidence of German rejection.
He accused the publishers of abandoning professional journalism standards. They spread falsehoods instead of verifying facts, he noted.
According to him, associates and supporters raised concerns about the reports. That prompted him to issue the clarification statement Thursday.
Looking ahead, Fani-Kayode expressed enthusiasm about serving in South Africa. He described the nation as "admirable and historically inspiring."
