SAN FRANCISCO, April 08, (THEWILL) – President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday met Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, one of his strongest critics in the media and member of the opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The closed-door meeting held inside the President’s office in Abuja.
Details of the meeting were sketchy as at the time of writing this report but may not be unconnected with Mr. Fani-Kayode’s public condemnation of plans by the APC to field a Muslim/Muslim ticket as its presidential and vice presidential candidates for the 2015 general election.
Though the often outspoken and controversial politician has no commanding political following to sway elections in favour of a political party or candidate, analysts are of the opinion that the President will not let an opportunity to take a shot at the opposition pass by.
Fani-Kayode is presently standing trial for corruption and money laundering related offences during his tenure as Minister of Aviation.
Speaking to newsmen at the end of the meeting with the President, Mr. Fani-Kayode said: “I cannot and I will not be associated with a situation whereby any group of people is promoting a religion above another. I think all of us have gone past the stage of religious politics in this country. We must treat the Muslim community with utmost respect and we must treat the Christian community in the same way and even the non-religious.”
On the timing of his visit, the former minister said there was nothing unusual about it.
“This is a Presidential Villa, the President is a President of Nigeria and every single person in this country that is a Nigerian is entitled to come here from time to time, when the doors are open to come and pay their respect to the wonderful people that are here.
As a Nigerian, I have done that today and I am delighted to be here,” the former minister told curious reporters.
He added that his criticisms of the Jonathan Administration were part of the beauty of democracy, saying he was not an enemy of the President.
Also speaking on the speculation that he may have come to perfect his plans to return to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fani-Kayode said he would make his decision known at the appropriate time.
He added that his criticisms of the Jonathan Administration were part of the beauty of democracy, saying he was not an enemy of the President.
Also speaking on the speculation that he may have come to perfect his plans to return to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fani-Kayode said he would make his decision known at the appropriate time.
