Human Rights Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has reacted to claims made by former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode regarding his alleged appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Fani-Kayode had earlier stated that he was approved for a diplomatic posting, initially to Germany, before requesting a redeployment to South Africa. He claimed the adjustment was approved by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and later endorsed by the presidency. He also explained that the change was part of a mutual arrangement involving another nominee, Senator Sam Enang, who was reportedly moved in the opposite direction.
However, Sowore, reacting via his X account, dismissed the claims and questioned both the credibility of the announcement and Fani-Kayode’s suitability for any diplomatic assignment. He also challenged suggestions that any foreign country would object to his appointment, implying that the narrative being presented was questionable.
Fani-Kayode, on his part, maintained that his redeployment request was legitimate and denied reports suggesting that Germany rejected his nomination. He described such claims as false and damaging to his reputation as well as to the image of the Federal Government.
He further disclosed that legal action had been initiated against the media outlet that circulated the report, insisting that the publication was inaccurate and misleading.
The exchange has generated online debate, with supporters and critics weighing in on the controversy surrounding diplomatic postings, political appointments, and public communication of government decisions in Nigeria.
