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Nigeria Was The Only One Cut Out – FFK Blasts South Africa After Presenting Credentials To Ramaphosa
Nigeria’s new Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), has accused officials of the South African Presidency of deliberately cutting Nigeria out of the livestream of the credentials presentation ceremony in Pretoria.
FFK presented his letters of credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday morning at the Presidential Guest House, alongside Ambassadors from 14 other countries.
It was the first posting of a substantive Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa in four years.
According to FFK, the event was livestreamed by the South African Presidency (@PresidencyZA) and watched by millions across Africa and the world.
He alleged that while all 14 other Ambassadors were introduced and their speeches were aired, Nigeria’s own introduction and speech were not shown.
“Curiously the South African Presidency refused to air the introduction of my goodself and the Nigerian delegation or to air my speech,” FFK said.
“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.”
FFK said he raised the issue directly with President Ramaphosa during the photo session.
“In fairness to him, he took me to the relevant officials and acted with dispatch. Right there in my presence he questioned them and directed them to resolve the issue immediately,” he said.
“Sadly by then it was too late and Nigeria had been left out.”
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.”
FFK said he turned down an interview request from SABC News, the South African State Broadcaster, in protest over the treatment.
“I told them to go and listen to my speech instead which their Presidency officials had refused to air,” he said.
He said at least two Nigerian television stations recorded his full speech, including the moment he complained to Ramaphosa, and that the footage would be released to the Nigerian public.
“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,” FFK said.
The South African Presidency has not yet responded to the allegation as of the time of filing this report.
