Xenophobic attacks: Jonathan suspends Danjuma Sheni, Perm Sec

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb Danjuma Sheni, has been suspended by the Federal Government. He was alleged to have recalled Nigeria’s Charge D’Affairs in South Africa in the wake of the xenophobic attacks in the former apartheid enclave, a step which has been described as an embarrassment to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Sheni was alleged to have taken the step without seeking and receiving the President's approval. 

Head of Service of the Federation, Danladi Kifasi, is reported to have already queried Sheni.

The President was said to have been miffed that the ministry embarrassed him again, a few weeks after the diplomatic row between Nigeria and Morocco over whether or not Jonathan had a telephone talk with King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

It will be recalled that over the weekend, reports had it that the Nigerian government had recalled its envoys from South Africa to protest the xenophobic attacks on foreigners.

The South African authorities had frowned on the reported action, which was described as unnecessary.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, afterwards came out to clear the air, explaining that Nigeria had not recalled its envoy from South Africa. 

Abati had explained that the country’s Charge D’Affairs was merely invited home for consultation.