Fani-Kayode Speaks on his Meeting with APC Leaders
The Former Nigeria aviation minister and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Femi Fani-Kayode, said his meeting with the All Progressives Congress APC Yesterday was to discuss the state of the nation, national issues, party politics, and the way forward.
Fani-Kayode met with the APC caretaker committee chairs on the registration and revalidation exercise, Governors Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and Malam Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, at a Guest House in Wuse, Abuja. Indications emerged that the meeting could be part of the former minister’s process to defect to the ruling party.
But Fani-Kayode reacted in a Twitter thread that the meeting was beyond politics and “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.
“Yesterday, I had the honor and privilege of having a very productive and essential meeting with the Nat. Chairman of the APC, Gov Mai Buni of Yobe state, and Gov Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. We discussed the state of the nation, national issues, party politics & the way forward.
“These meetings are wide-ranging and ongoing, and I am delighted to be involved in them. Despite the apparent benefits and wisdom in this 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 that touch and concern the national cohesion, future, and stability of our country.
He stated that “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.”
He noted a need 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. I also believe 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 pol. Parties, including the ruling party, does not in any way derogate from this, and does not mean that I will ever change those views.
“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 be so, dialogue, building bridges, and collaboration, even with those that you may disagree with on some issues, is vital and inevitable.
“I also believe in restructuring the country and in a vigorous and effective fight against terrorism.”
Fani-Kayode said his relationship with leaders of the ruling party does not in any way utter his perception of insecurity and calls for the country to be restructured.
“Despite our differences, as leaders and statesmen, we must all sheath our swords and ensure that we never go down that path,” Fani-Kayode said.
