Amidst a rash of speculations that he has met All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of moves to dump the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the controversial former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, is explaining the meetings were to forestall a resort to violence in the country over farmers/herders clashes.
Fani-Kayode first met Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and later the APC’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Governor Mai Bala Buni on Monday.
In a rash of tweets, the former Minister said: “It is right & proper for us to talk & to attempt to join hands across political, religious & regional lines to save Nigeria.
“I can & will never compromise or jettison my core fundamental principles for any reason & I stand firmly on my honestly held opinion that we need to enthrone equity, justice & fairness in this country for it to survive.
“I also believe in restructuring the country & in a vigorous & 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 & does not mean that I will ever change those views.”
“Yesterday I had the honor & privilege of having a very productive & important meeting with the Nat. Chairman of the APC, Gov. Mai Buni of Yobe state & 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 & ongoing & I am delighted to be involved in them. Despite the obvious benefits & 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 & proper for us to talk & to attempt to join hands across political, religious & regional lines to save Nigeria. I can & will never compromise or jettison my core fundamental principles for any reason & I stand firmly on my honestly held opinion that we need to enthrone equity, justice & fairness in this country for it to survive.
“I also believe in restructuring the country & in a vigorous & 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 & 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 & I believe that if we want it to do so dialogue, building bridges& 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.”