The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has accused the South African Presidency of censoring the address of Nigeria’s newly-accredited ambassador, Femi Fani-Kayode, during a live broadcast of the presentation of letters of credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria.
The mission said the South African media team streamed the introductions of 15 newly- accredited ambassadors but deliberately excluded the Nigerian delegation and its address from the broadcast.
The incident occurred at the South African Presidential Guest House during a ceremony marking the first posting of a substantive Nigerian ambassador to South Africa in four years.
The High Commission said when Fani-Kayode raised concerns over the omission, South African Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya responded with what it described as abusive and inflammatory remarks on social media, including telling the diplomatic mission to “Stop disgracing yourself and your country.”
In a strongly worded response, the Nigerian High Commission accused Magwenya of bringing his country into disrepute through his conduct and undermining efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
“You are the disgrace and no-one else. Outside of that your insolence and ignorance knows no bounds. You are bringing your nation into disrepute and willfully and purposely burning the bridge of peace and reconciliation,” the mission said.
The High Commission also recalled an earlier incident in which Magwenya reportedly described the presidents of Nigeria and Ghana as “peddlers of fake news” after they raised concerns about Afrophobia and xenophobia in South Africa.
It said Nigeria had previously refrained from responding to the remarks in the interest of diplomatic relations but considered the latest incident unacceptable.
“Today you are calling our newly-accredited Ambassador to your country a liar as well barely a few hours after he presented his letters of credence,” the mission said.
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It added, “Did you really expect him to simply stomach your ill manners and keep quiet? If so you have misunderstood the character and nature of the Nigerian. We cannot be easily cowed.”
The High Commission also rejected Magwenya’s attempt to distance the South African Presidency from the broadcast incident, insisting that several newly-accredited ambassadors witnessed the exclusion of the Nigerian delegation.
It said it had retained the full video footage of the post-ceremony proceedings and was prepared to make it public if necessary.
However, the mission commended President Ramaphosa for intervening to resolve the disagreement, saying he directed the presidential spokesperson and the state broadcaster to address the situation.
“Thankfully your President had the decency and presence of mind to put out the fire and direct you and your state broadcaster to do the right thing. He literally saved the day,” it said.
The High Commission maintained that Nigeria remained committed to peaceful relations and mutual respect but would not tolerate what it considered disrespect towards its government and citizens.
It said the matter was closed from its end but warned that it was prepared to respond if Magwenya sought to escalate the dispute.
“To us this matter is closed but if you wish to escalate it you are welcome to do so and we are up to the task. A word is enough for the wise,” the mission added.
