President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a diplomatic reshuffle involving former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, who has now been redeployed as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.
Fani-Kayode was initially announced for a posting to Germany, but he later requested a change in assignment, citing personal reasons and a preference for a diplomatic role within Africa.
In a statement released on Thursday, he confirmed that the request was made to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who subsequently presented it to President Tinubu for approval.
According to him, the President granted the request, paving the way for his redeployment to South Africa, a country he said aligns more closely with his interests in African integration, diplomacy, and shared regional values.
He added that Senator Ita Enang, who was originally assigned to South Africa, accepted a swap and will now take up the posting in Germany.
Fani-Kayode also dismissed online reports claiming that Germany rejected his appointment, describing them as false, malicious, and deliberately misleading.
He insisted that no such rejection ever occurred and challenged those behind the reports to produce credible evidence.
The former minister alleged that the controversy stemmed from leaked diplomatic documents and was further amplified by what he called a “fabricated narrative” aimed at discrediting him and the Federal Government.
He disclosed that the matter had been reported to relevant security agencies, while legal action is also being pursued against those responsible for the publications.
Fani-Kayode said his clarification was necessary due to concerns from associates and supporters, reaffirming his readiness to serve Nigeria in South Africa and contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.
