Following the news making the rounds that a former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has left the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and decamped to the ruling All Progressives Party, APC, the outspoken Femi has Wednesday denied the rumor, stating emphatically that he has not left PDP.
Recall that the governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, had in an interactive session with Journalists, said that Fani-Kayode had joined the APC in good faith.
Fani-Kayode had last three days ago visited and had meeting with Bello and the National Chairman of the APC, Governor Mai Buni of Yobe state.
According to him: “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 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.”
However, distancing himself from the ‘defection news’, Femi wrote: “Though we have had meetings across party lines and we are in a season of political consultation I have not left the PDP”.
Vanguard