FFK: Germany Never Rejected Me, I Opted For South Africa

FORMER minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK) has stated that he personally requested for redeployment to South Africa as ambassador-designate two days after the initial announcement of his posting to Germany.
Fani-Kayode, in a statement he personally signed on Thursday, May 6, in Abuja, explained that his preference for South Africa was because he knew it would enable him to contribute more effectively and positively to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives in Africa.
He stated: “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.” c
Citing personal reasons, alongside his long-standing interest in South Africa and other African countries, FKK explained further: “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 added that he initially made a formal representation to the then minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to facilitate the swapping of his posting with Ita Enang, who was earlier posted there, noting: “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 a 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 commended Enang for agreeing to the redeployment arrangement that saw him move to Germany instead, dismissing earlier media reports that he was rejected as “misleading and inaccurate” and charged the media to always exercise professionalism in their reportage.
“If there was such a formal rejection, I challenge them to bring the proof with documentary evidence. I repeat, this never happened, and I urge the media to be far more circumspect with such reports.”
Fani-Kayode said the statement became necessary following enquiries and concerns by his associates and supporters over the reports.
The former minister said his legal team and relevant authorities had been briefed for necessary action regarding publications, which he considers defamatory, welcoming the redeployment and pledging to serve Nigeria diligently in that capacity.
He looked forward to serving Nigeria in South Africa, which he described as a country with a remarkable and inspiring history.