Former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has finally opened up on the controversy surrounding his diplomatic redeployment.
The clarification comes after weeks of speculation and viral reports claiming Germany rejected his appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador.
However, Fani-Kayode strongly denied the reports and described them as false, malicious, and damaging.
In a lengthy statement released on Thursday, the politician confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa after he formally requested a redeployment.
“It gives me pleasure to announce the fact that Mr. President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa,” he stated.
According to him, he initially received a posting to Germany. However, he later informed the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, that he preferred South Africa instead.
Fani-Kayode explained that he had spent most of his life in Europe and wanted a fresh diplomatic experience.
“I also expressed the fact that I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values,” he explained.
The former minister further praised South Africa’s role on the continent. He described the country as a nation with strong ties to Nigeria and a shared Pan-African vision.
Meanwhile, he thanked President Tinubu and Ambassador Tuggar for approving the request. Furthermore, he acknowledged Senator Sam Enang for agreeing to swap postings with him.
“I will be eternally grateful to Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this favourable consideration,” he added.
According to him, the report was designed to embarrass him and damage his international reputation.
“I take this opportunity to once again confirm that this was my choice and that Germany NEVER rejected me,” he declared.
He further accused the publication of relying on “hearsay, beer parlour talk and cheap gossip.”
Moreover, Fani-Kayode disclosed that petitions had already been sent to security agencies over the report.
“Our findings after a preliminary investigation was that the story was not only sponsored but was also written with malicious intent,” he alleged.
Meanwhile, he challenged those behind the report to provide documentary evidence proving Germany rejected him.
“If there was such a formal rejection I challenge them to bring the proof with documentary evidence,” he said.
The former minister ended the statement by expressing excitement about serving in South Africa.
