The Federal Government has lifted the suspension on the former Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Danjuma Nanpon Sheni.
A source indicated that his suspension was lifted after he had satisfactorily explained that the invitation of Nigeria’s Charge d’Affairs to South Africa to explain the xenophobic attacks was a routine diplomatic initiative which received the express approval of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali.
Sheni has since reported in the Office of the Head of Service as Permanent Secretary.
Recall that President Goodluck Jonathan suspended Sheni, for allegedly prompting the recall of Nigeria’s envoys to South Africa without due authorisation, triggering a diplomatic spat between the two countries.
Jonathan queried Sheni and placed him on suspension to allow investigation into the matter.
Nigeria announced the recall of its acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, Martin Cobham, and the deputy High Commissioner in Johannesburg, Uche Ajulu-Okeke, on Saturday, in protest of xenophobic attacks against African immigrants in South Africa.
A statement from the foreign affairs ministry, attributed to the minister, Aminu Wali, said the diplomats were “summoned for consultations” over the attacks.
South Africa slammed the decision, describing it as “unfortunate and regrettable”, and portraying Nigeria as opportunistic.
Mr. Sheni was appointed the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in November 2014, having been redeployed from the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation. Thisday
