Finally, Fani-Kayode Cleared As Nigeria’s High Commissioner To South Africa

By Adesina Soyooye

After months of waiting, Nigeria’s former Minister for Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, is set to proceed to Pretoria, South Africa, to assume duties as Nigeria’s High Commissioner. He will also oversee Nigeria’s Missions in Lesotho and Eswatni.

The long wait ended on Monday  when he was presented with his credentials by the Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

The presentation was announced in a statement on Tuesday, July 7, after the granting of agrement by the host countries.

In his reaction, Fani-Kayode posted: “I shall begin the process  of reporting to Pretoria, presenting my letter of credence to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and starting the great and important work that lies ahead.

“My gratitude goes to our leader and President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence he has reposed in me and I covet the prayers of all men and women of goodwill.

“The Lord alone shall take the glory for this and He shall do great things. He is faithful.”

Reactions to this development are varied.

In a post, @nze_Anambra was unsparing of the posting. He wrote: “An ethnic bigot and a divisive character was sent to South Africa to represent Nigeria in this critical period of Xenophobic crisis. He is likely going to work for, or against one ethnic group or the other over there. The remaining Nigerians in South Africa should be careful.”

But @Sanchyoloye was more measured in his reaction.

He posted: “Diplomacy is measured by outcomes, not appointments. The real test is whether he cab strengthen Nigeria’s influence, protect its citizens, and deepen strategic ties across Southern Africa.”