FFK

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Germany has declined the nomination of former minister Femi Fani-Kayode as Nigeria’s ambassador, citing concerns over his past remarks and conduct, according to an exclusive report.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had approved Mr Fani-Kayode’s appointment on March 6, assigning him to a Central European country as ambassador-designate. However, the German authorities rejected the nomination a week later, on March 13, 2026.

Officials in Germany based their decision on what they described as “erratic behaviour, controversial past statements, particularly his divisive ethnocentric, tribalistic, and religious fundamentalist comments in Nigeria”, which they said were “destabilising”.

The development followed a recent incident in Abuja where Mr Fani-Kayode reportedly clashed with the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. The disagreement occurred during a Ramadan dinner hosted by Senator Bashir Lado, the president’s special adviser on Senate matters.

Efforts to obtain Mr Fani-Kayode’s response were unsuccessful as of Sunday.

A senior government official, however, indicated that the former minister might be reassigned to South Africa in a similar diplomatic role.

Mr Fani-Kayode remains one of the high-profile figures nominated by President Tinubu for ambassadorial positions. He has, over the years, attracted attention for controversial public statements and social media posts.

In August 2020, he faced criticism after verbally attacking a journalist who questioned the source of funding for his nationwide tour. At a press briefing in Calabar, the reporter had asked, “Who is bankrolling you?” Mr Fani-Kayode responded by calling the journalist “stupid” and described the question as “insulting”. He later issued an apology following widespread backlash.

He was also involved in a public dispute with his estranged wife, Precious Chikwendu, over child custody.

In addition, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had filed charges against him, including fraud, money laundering, and forgery spanning nearly two decades. However, between 2024 and 2025, courts dismissed the cases. The rulings cited the prosecution’s inability to establish a link between Mr Fani-Kayode and the alleged offences, which included claims of fraudulent receipt of N4.9 billion, laundering of N200 million and later N8 billion, as well as forgery of medical documents.

Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, has called on citizens to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The former minister of aviation is among the 65 ambassadors recently cleared for deployment earlier in March.

In a statement released on Friday, Fani-Kayode extended Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and abroad. He also expressed optimism about the current administration, stating that “Tinubu is on the right path to transform the nation”.

Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of the Ramadan fast observed by Muslims worldwide.

Fani-Kayode encouraged Nigerians to uphold the values practiced during Ramadan, such as patience, compassion, generosity, and unity. He stressed that these qualities are important for peaceful coexistence and national unity, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

The envoy also voiced confidence in the country’s future under Tinubu’s leadership. He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to good governance and national development.

He offered prayers for peace, stability, and progress in the country, while wishing Muslims a happy Eid celebration.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Femi Fani-Kayode, the former aviation minister, has added his voice to the chorus of international condemnation against Israel’s recent military strikes on Gaza, describing them as unjustifiable acts of violence that have sparked a global outcry.

In a strongly-worded statement shared on his social media platform, Fani-Kayode expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives, particularly among women and children, and vehemently criticised the ongoing attacks as indefensible and inhumane. 

Fani-Kayode, known for his previous support of Israel, acknowledged the historical sufferings of the Jewish people and his past condemnation of Hamas atrocities.

However, he noted the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and criticised the indiscriminate violence that has claimed the lives of numerous Palestinians.

He stated, “The killing of innocent Palestinian civilians, including women and children, is not a solution. It only perpetuates the cycle of violence, fuels resentment, and deepens the suffering of ordinary people caught in the crossfire.” 

His outspoken criticism comes amidst a surge of global concern, with humanitarian organisations and world leaders calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue.

Fani-Kayode urged for international intervention to halt the bloodshed and facilitate diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, emphasising the importance of protecting the lives and dignity of all individuals involved. 

Fani-Kayode’s stance reflects the growing sentiment worldwide, highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict as well as the collective responsibility to protect civilian lives and uphold human rights in the face of ongoing hostilities in the region.

His voice adds to the increasing pressure on the international community to take decisive action and work towards lasting peace in the troubled region.

By Muhammad Sabiu