Former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has addressed rumours making the rounds that he is positioning to join the ruling All Progress Congress ahead of 2023 elections.
He made this known in a statement he released on his social media handles where he expressed belief that it is “It is right and proper for us to talk and to attempt to join hands across political, religious and regional lines to save Nigeria” in order to avert another civil war.
Photographs of the controversial politician hobnobing with the governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, Mai Buni of Yobe and the National Chairman of APC had sparked insinuations that he is about to pitch tent with the ruling party.
Below is his statement:
Yesterday afternoon I had the distinct honor 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. 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 disagreewith 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.
