Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.

Fani-Kayode made the disclosure in a statement released on Thursday, explaining that the reassignment followed his personal request to be moved from an earlier diplomatic posting to Germany.

According to him, he had initially been nominated for a diplomatic role in Germany but later communicated his concerns about the posting to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He subsequently requested to be redeployed to South Africa instead.

The former minister said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, approved the request and forwarded it to President Tinubu, who later granted final approval for the redeployment.

“It gives me pleasure to announce that Mr President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa,” Fani-Kayode stated.

Explaining the reason behind his preference, he said he wanted to serve in a country he had never visited before, despite having spent a significant part of his life in Europe.

He also noted that South Africa’s economic strength, political outlook, and relationship with Nigeria influenced his decision.

According to him, he preferred a country that shares some of his convictions and values in global affairs, while also aligning with his pan-African foreign policy perspective.

Fani-Kayode further revealed that the redeployment became possible through a mutual exchange arrangement involving Sam Enang, who had originally been posted to South Africa but later opted for Germany.

The former minister also dismissed reports alleging that the German government rejected his appointment.

He described the claims as false, malicious, and an attempt to damage his reputation as well as embarrass the Federal Government.

According to him, no official communication rejecting his appointment was ever issued by German authorities.

Fani-Kayode disclosed that legal action has already been initiated against the media platform responsible for publishing the report, while the matter has also been reported to relevant security agencies.

He urged journalists and media organisations to verify information before publication to avoid spreading misinformation.

The former minister also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for approving his redeployment, adding that he is prepared to represent Nigeria in South Africa.

A mild drama unfolded in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a heated exchange during plenary.

The incident came just a day after the Senate amended its Standing Orders to tighten eligibility requirements for leadership positions.

Trouble began when Akpabio started reading the Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting. Oshiomhole interrupted by raising a point of order, but Akpabio quickly ruled him out, explaining that Senate rules do not permit such interruptions at that stage.

Despite the clarification, Oshiomhole insisted on being heard.

To settle the matter, Akpabio called on former Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, to explain the rule. Kalu confirmed that points of order are not allowed during the consideration of Votes and Proceedings.

However, Oshiomhole continued to press his objection, drawing the attention of Senate Whip Tahir Monguno, who warned him against disrupting proceedings and hinted that disciplinary measures could be taken.

Akpabio then resumed the session, directing senators to specific pages of the Votes and Proceedings and urging them to familiarize themselves with the chamber’s rules.

In a stern remark, the Senate President cautioned Oshiomhole against further disruption, warning that he could be sanctioned if he became unruly.

Following the exchange, the Senate moved on with its business. Senator Adamu Aliero later moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, which was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.

The confrontation is believed to be connected to the Senate’s recent amendment of its Standing Orders. Under the new rule, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination are eligible to contest for presiding offices.

This change effectively disqualifies Oshiomhole from contesting for any presiding position in the current Senate.

Proceedings eventually continued without further disruption.

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to confirm the nomination of Joseph Tegbe as a minister.

The request was contained in a letter read on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary. Tinubu said the nomination was in line with constitutional provisions and urged the Senate to give it quick consideration.

Akpabio assured lawmakers that the request would be handled promptly and referred it to the committee of the whole for immediate action.

Earlier, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the nomination, noting that Tegbe is an economic and fiscal reform expert with over 35 years of experience in both public and private sectors.

Tegbe, an indigene of Oyo State, previously served as a senior partner at KPMG Africa and has advised government and private organisations on policy reforms and investment strategies.

The nomination follows the resignation of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.