Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, has faulted Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, over his handling of a controversy surrounding the livestream of his presentation of letters of credence.

Magwenya, in a statement, accused Fani-Kayode of misrepresenting Ramaphosa’s involvement in the incident, insisting that the South African President had no role in the operational affairs of the South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC.

Fani-Kayode had earlier alleged that the South African Presidency deliberately excluded him and the Nigerian delegation from the livestream of a ceremony where 15 ambassadors presented their letters of credence to Ramaphosa in Pretoria.

He claimed that Nigeria was the only country whose ambassador’s introduction and speech were omitted from the broadcast. He also said he raised the issue directly with Ramaphosa, who subsequently summoned relevant officials and directed them to address the matter.

The Nigerian ambassador further disclosed that he declined an interview offered by SABC News in protest over what he described as the poor treatment of the Nigerian delegation.

However, hours after the controversy, the South African Presidency released the full video of the ceremony on its YouTube page, with Fani-Kayode’s speech included. This came after the initial livestream had omitted his introduction and address before resuming after his speech.

Reacting to the incident, Magwenya said Ramaphosa merely referred Fani-Kayode to Sophie Mokoena, whom he described as the appropriate person to address his grievance.

“Your Excellency, you refused to speak to Sophie Mokoena, who would have cleared the misunderstanding with you,” Magwenya stated.

He maintained that the President had no authority to interfere in the broadcaster’s operations or editorial decisions.

“The President carries no legal or political mandate to interfere with its operations or intervene in its editorial processes,” he said.

Magwenya also described Fani-Kayode’s handling of the matter as “grossly inappropriate” and urged him to meet with SABC officials to establish a “mutually beneficial, respectful and professional relationship” as he begins his diplomatic assignment in South Africa.

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More than 1,260 people have died from diphtheria in Nigeria since the disease outbreak started in late 2022, while suspected infections have surpassed 41,000, according to Médecins Sans Frontières.

The international medical humanitarian organisation, also known as Doctors Without Borders, said the country had also recorded more than 24,000 confirmed cases, warning that dwindling supplies of life-saving medication and inadequate vaccination were making the situation increasingly dangerous.

The warning was contained in a statement signed by MSF Field Communication Officer, Abdulkareem Yakubu.

The organisation disclosed that between January and August 9, 2026, Nigeria recorded 12,977 suspected infections, 10,476 confirmed cases and 406 deaths.

It said the outbreak remained a major concern in northern Nigeria, particularly in Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

MSF Medical Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr David Kizito, warned that the international shortage of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) was threatening the survival of infected patients, adding that the organisation’s remaining stocks were critically low.

He explained that the medication works by neutralising the toxin released by the bacteria responsible for diphtheria and offers the greatest benefit when administered within 48 hours of the first symptoms.

MSF said limited availability of the antitoxin had compelled its medical teams to carefully allocate existing supplies, a situation that could affect patients who urgently need treatment.

The organisation appealed to the Federal Government, state governments, donors and international partners to take immediate steps to obtain antitoxin, vaccines and other essential medicines.

It also stressed the need to speed up the clearance of medical supplies at Nigerian ports and ensure they reach health facilities and vulnerable communities without unnecessary delays.

Nationwide, MSF said it had provided treatment to more than 9,000 diphtheria patients through health facilities and community-based interventions since the start of its response this year.

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The Ogun State Police Command has presented cheques totalling ₦10,658,391.36 to the families and next-of-kin of police officers who died in active service.

The presentation was made on Friday at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The payment was made under the Nigeria Police Force Group Life Assurance and the IGP Family Welfare Schemes.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi on Saturday, the schemes are designed to cushion the financial impact on households whose breadwinners paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.

Accompanied by members of the Command Management Team, CP Ojajuni personally handed over the cheques to the beneficiaries.

Addressing the recipients, the Commissioner said the IGP remains unwavering in his dedication to personnel welfare.

He described the widows and families of the fallen officers as the “true superheroes” who continue to bear the weight of their loved ones’ service with resilience.

He said the financial intervention serves as a tangible token of the Force’s enduring gratitude and its institutional duty to stand by them.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ejembi Veronica thanked the Inspector-General of Police and the Ogun State Police Command for remembering their families and providing timely relief.

She pledged that the disbursed sums would be channelled responsibly toward the education, upkeep, and overall stability of the children and dependents left behind.

The Ogun State Police Command said it continues to hold the memories of its fallen heroes in high esteem, and reassured the families of its sustained solidarity and support.

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