Nigeria's Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, said his introduction and speech were excluded from a livestream of a ceremony at the South African Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, where he presented his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Fani-Kayode said the event was livestreamed by the South African Presidency and featured the introductions and speeches of ambassadors from 15 countries. He alleged that Nigeria was the only country whose segment was omitted, with the broadcast resuming after his speech had concluded.
He said he raised the matter with Ramaphosa during a photo session. According to Fani-Kayode, the president took him to officials, questioned them and directed them to address the issue, but the intervention came too late to include Nigeria in the livestream.
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Fani-Kayode said Nigerian television stations recorded his speech and that the footage would be released to the public. He also said footage would show him raising the issue with Ramaphosa.
He further said he declined an interview offered by South African public broadcaster SABC News, citing what he described as the “deplorable way” the Nigerian delegation had been treated. He told the broadcaster to listen to his speech, which he said Presidency officials had refused to air.
While expressing respect and affection for South Africa and its people, Fani-Kayode said he would not tolerate disrespect toward Nigeria’s government or people. He thanked Ramaphosa for his concern and intervention.
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