By Fatima Saka
A civil liberties organisation, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has dismissed claims that the Federal Government’s ambassadorial nominee, Femi Fani-Kayode, was rejected by Germany, insisting that the former minister personally requested his redeployment.
In a statement issued on Friday, the group’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, described reports alleging Germany’s rejection of Fani-Kayode as “misleading” and “fabricated.”
MURIC maintained that Fani-Kayode, initially assigned as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany following his nomination and Senate confirmation in December 2025, opted instead to serve in South Africa.
“The narrative that he was rejected by Germany is false. On the contrary, it was Chief Fani-Kayode who requested for reassignment,” the statement said.
The group criticised a section of the media for circulating what it termed disparaging information, warning that such reports could damage the reputation of the former minister and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
MURIC further stated that Fani-Kayode’s preference for South Africa was informed by his “pan-Africanist convictions” and a desire to serve in a country aligned with his worldview on global affairs.
The organisation also used the opportunity to commend Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the redeployment request.
“MURIC thanks President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for graciously hearkening to the request made by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode,” the statement added.
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The group went on to describe Fani-Kayode as a “liberal Christian” who promotes religious tolerance, noting that his disposition toward pluralism makes him widely acceptable across religious divides in Nigeria.
The controversy surrounding the redeployment follows earlier media reports suggesting diplomatic complications with Germany, claims which MURIC insists have now been clarified.
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THE ISSUE HERE IS THAT THE “MURIC” DG IS VERY COMFORTABLE WITH THE “ANTICS” AND VIEWS OF HON FANI KAYODE AS IT SERVES THE INTEREST OF HIS ORGANIZATION MURIC*THE QUESTION HERE IS DO HE HAVE TO DEFEND THE AMBASSADORIAL NOMINEE,?*WE ALTOGETHER WISH MR AMBASSADOR WELL “BUT” GOD ALMIGHTY ALWAYS HAVE WAYS OF DEALING WITH PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY KNOW BETTER AND CAN DICTATE HOW OTHER PEOPLE SHOULD BEHAVE AND IT’S JUST A MATTER OF TIME*