Former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has addressed alleged misconceptions about his visit to Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni.
According to a statement by Mr. Onogwu Muhammed, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bello, which was also confirmed by the ex-minister, the duo met in Abuja on Monday.
After news of Fani-Kayode’s meeting with the APC chieftains filtered in, reports began to circulate of his alleged plot to defect to the ruling party ahead of the 2023 general election.
“Fani-Kayode met with Yahaya Bello and Buni on Sunday for two hours. It is all about politics of 2023 and the recent registration drive of the APC.
“Fani-Kayode has not made any commitment yet but discussions are still ongoing,” The Punch had quoted an unnamed APC source as saying.
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The source was further quoted to have said that four PDP governors were planning to defect to the APC but refused to disclose the identities of the would-be defectors.
Reacting in a Twitter thread on Tuesday morning, Fani-Kayode maintained that his visit to the APC chieftains dwelt on Nigeria’s unity and the need to prevent another civil war given the recent ethnic tensions in the country.
However, the ex-minister failed to address rumour of his purported defection.
Fani -Kayode wrote, “Yesterday I had the honor and privilege of having a very productive and important meeting with the National 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 and the way forward.
“These meetings are wide-ranging and ongoing and I am delighted to be involved in them. Despite the obvious 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 which touch and concern the national cohesion, future and stability of our country.
“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.
“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 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.
“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. May God help our country and may He guide us all.”