Nigeria’s High Commissioner, Fani-Kayode Alleges South Africa Cut Him Out Of Livestream During Credentials Ceremony
Nigeria’s new High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has presented his letters of credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, alongside ambassadors from 14 other countries.
The ceremony marked the first posting of a substantive Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to South Africa in four years, a development described as historic by the envoy.
The entire event was livestreamed by the South African Presidency, with millions of Nigerians, South Africans, Africans and members of the international community said to have watched in real time.
Fani-Kayode, however, in a Facebook post alleged that the South African Presidency refused to air the introduction of himself and the Nigerian delegation or his speech, cutting them out of the livestream completely and returning only after his speech had concluded. He claimed that of all the 15 introductions and speeches delivered, only Nigeria’s was cut out.
He said he raised the issue directly with President Ramaphosa during the photo session while still on the premises, and that the president, in fairness to him, took him to the relevant officials, questioned them and directed them to resolve the issue immediately. Sadly, he said, it was already too late and Nigeria had been left out.
The ambassador added that at least two Nigerian television stations at the event fully recorded his speech, which will be released to the Nigerian public, along with footage of his complaint to the president. He also said he turned down an interview offer from SABC News, the South African state broadcaster, in protest over the treatment.
While expressing immense respect and affection for South Africa and its people, Fani-Kayode said he would not tolerate anyone who disrespects or treats the Nigerian Government or its people flippantly. He thanked President Ramaphosa for his concern and timely intervention, adding that some elements in South Africa may not want to hear Nigeria’s voice, but Nigeria is there to stay as long as it has the president’s confidence.
