BY FOLASHADE KEHINDE
FORMER Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, on Tuesday, said he held a closed-door meeting with some leaders of the All Progressives Congress to discuss pressing national issues.
His explanation followed speculations that he was preparing to dump his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, for the APC.
Pictures of the former minister with the Chairman of the National Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State; and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, had appeared on social media platforms, which sparked reports of his planned defection.
While clarifying the purpose of his meeting with the APC leaders on his Facebook page, however, Fani-Kayode was quiet about whether he was planning to decamp to the ruling party or not.
THE POINT had reported that the Director-General, Progressive Governors’ Forum, Salihu Moh. Lukman, had advised the leadership of the APC against admitting Fani-Kayode into the party, saying that such a move would mean the ruling party could open its doors wide for leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, or Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.
Explaining why he held a meeting with APC chieftains, however, Fani-Kayode said, “Yesterday afternoon I had the distinct honour and pleasure of having a very productive and important meeting with the National Chairman of the APC, Governor Mai Buni of Yobe state and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state.
“We discussed the state of the nation, pressing national issues, party politics and the way forward. These meetings are wide-ranging and ongoing and I am delighted to be involved in them.”
He said despite the obvious benefits and wisdom in what he described as a noble initiative, “it amazes me that some people should feel that it is wrong for me to sit with other leaders in the country to discuss issues which touch and concern the national cohesion, future and stability of our country.”
He said, “This is a time in which we must set all our differences aside, build bridges and come together as one, lest our country drifts into fratricidal butchery and civil war. It is right and proper for us to talk and to attempt to join hands across political, religious and regional lines to save Nigeria.
“I can and will never compromise or jettison my core fundamental principles for any reason and I stand firmly on my honestly held opinion that we need to enthrone equity, justice and fairness in this country for it to survive.”
He noted that he believed in restructuring the country and in a vigorous and effective fight against terrorism.
“The fact that I am in talks with leaders from a cross section of political parties, including the ruling party, does not in any way derogate from this and does not mean that I will ever change those views,” he argued.
The former minister added, “The next few months will be critical in terms of whether or not our country will survive as one and I believe that if we want it to do so dialogue, building bridges and collaboration, even with those that you may disagree with on some issues, is vital and inevitable.
“That was the purpose of our meeting. Permit me to add the following for the record. I will always stand for justice and I will never cease to oppose evil. Yet the greatest evil that we are confronted with today is the prospect of a second civil war.”
“Despite our differences, as leaders and statesmen, we must all sheath our swords and ensure that we never go down that path,” he stressed.
