South Africa needs ‘Sakiya’ diplomacy – Shehu Sani backs Fani-Kayode

Former Senator Shehu Sani Backs Fani-Kayode Amid Diplomatic Tensions with South Africa

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has expressed his support for Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, endorsing him as a suitable representative amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Sani’s comments come in light of controversy regarding the treatment of Fani-Kayode by South African authorities.

In a post on social media platform X, Sani stated that South Africa requires an ambassador who can adeptly navigate various diplomatic scenarios. He emphasized the need for flexibility in diplomatic relations, suggesting that Fani-Kayode possesses this crucial quality. “Fani-Kayode is the best choice for South Africa at this material time,” Sani wrote. He added that the ability to respond appropriately to different approaches is vital in diplomacy.

The statement was made against a backdrop of escalating tensions following claims from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and the South African Presidency. These claims center on allegations that Fani-Kayode’s delegation was intentionally excluded from the livestream of a ceremony during which he presented his letter of credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday.

The presentation, conducted in Pretoria, involved 15 ambassadors, and the absence of Fani-Kayode’s delegation from the livestream has sparked a series of accusations between the two governments. This incident has garnered significant attention on social media, eliciting reactions from both Nigerian and South African citizens.

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