Dare Babalola
Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has said he personally turned down an earlier diplomatic posting to Germany and instead requested to be posted to South Africa.
Fani-Kayode made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday while confirming his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.
According to him, contrary to reports that Germany rejected his nomination, he was the one who declined the European posting and formally sought redeployment to South Africa.
“I wish to confirm that this was my choice and that Germany never formally rejected me,” he said.
The former minister explained that he was initially assigned to Germany but quickly contacted the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, to express reservations over the posting.
He said his decision was based on personal reasons and a desire to serve in Africa rather than Europe, where he said he had spent most of his life.
“After the initial posting to Germany was announced, I made a formal representation that I was not comfortable with Germany for a number of personal reasons,” he stated.
Fani-Kayode added that he requested South Africa because it was a country he had never visited and one in which he had strong interest.
“I would prefer to go to South Africa, which is a country I had never been to and for which I have so much interest,” he said.
He further noted that South Africa’s economic strength, close relationship with Nigeria and Pan-African outlook also influenced his choice.
“I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values when it comes to world affairs, that has the biggest economy in Africa and closer ties to Nigeria,” he added.
According to him, Tuggar considered his request favourably and forwarded it to President Bola Tinubu, who approved the redeployment.
Fani-Kayode expressed gratitude to both the President and the former foreign minister for granting his request.
“I will be eternally grateful to Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this favourable consideration,” he said.
He also appreciated Senator Sam Enang, who was originally posted to South Africa, for agreeing to switch postings and proceed to Germany.
Fani-Kayode used the statement to attack reports alleging Germany rejected him, describing such claims as false, malicious and aimed at damaging his reputation.
“That report was fake and designed to embarrass my good self, the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
He disclosed that the publication and those behind it had been reported to security agencies, while his lawyers had been directed to institute legal action.
“We have reported the online magazine to the relevant security agencies and we shall also sue them for defamation,” he added.
The former minister said he now looks forward to serving Nigeria in South Africa and strengthening relations between both countries.
