Jonathan suspends Permanent Secretary over South Africa envoy recall

President Goodluck Jonathan has rebuked the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Danjuma Sheni, for allegedly prompting the recall of Nigeria’s envoys to South Africa without due authorisation, triggering a diplomatic spat between the two countries.

The president queried Mr. Sheni Monday, 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.

An outraged President Jonathan holds Mr. Sheni responsible for the recall of the diplomats, sources in the ministry and the presidency told Premium Times Tuesday.

A decision on whether to fire or replace Mr. Sheni will depend on his response to the query issued him, officials said.

“The president never authorised the recall,” one source said. “For you to recall an envoy, the man he represents has to know.”