Nigeria’s new Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has presented his letters of credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria, marking the first posting of a substantive Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa in four years.
Fani-Kayode disclosed this in a post on Friday, saying the ceremony took place at the South African Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, alongside Ambassadors from 14 other countries.
He described the event as beautiful and historic, noting that it was livestreamed by the South African Presidency, @PresidencyZA, and watched in real time by millions of Nigerians, South Africans, Africans and members of the international community.
According to him, every one of the 15 Ambassadors present was formally introduced and gave a speech.
He however alleged that the South African Presidency refused to air the introduction of himself and the Nigerian delegation or his speech.
“They went a step further by cutting us out of the livestream completely and went back on livestream only after my speech was concluded.
“Of all the 15 introductions and speeches that were made and delivered this morning only Nigeria's was cut out,” he said.
Fani-Kayode said he raised the issue directly with President Ramaphosa during the photo session while still on the premises, and that the President took him to the relevant officials and acted promptly.
“Right there in my presence he questioned them and directed them to resolve the issue immediately.
“Sadly by then it was too late and Nigeria had been left out. To be clear, I repeat, we were the ONLY ones that were left out,” he said.
He added, “Clearly some elements in South Africa do not want to hear what we have to say or see our faces but we are here to stay as long as we are welcome and have the confidence of President Ramaphosa, which I am sure we do.”
The Ambassador said at least two Nigerian television stations were at the event and fully recorded his speech, which would be released to the Nigerian public. He also said there was footage of him complaining directly to the President and of the President calling his staff and directing them on what to do.
He said while still on the premises, he turned down an interview offer from @SABCNews, the South African State Broadcaster, as a consequence of the way the delegation was treated, and told them to listen to his speech instead, which he said Presidency officials had refused to air.
“One thing is clear, I have immense respect and affection for South Africa and the South African people but I will not be anywhere or tolerate anyone that disrespects or treats our Government or our people flippantly,” he said.
He thanked President Ramaphosa for his concern and timely intervention.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and God bless the Republic of South Africa,” he added.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayAdvertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com