Former Minister of Aviation and spokesperson for the Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign council, Femi Fani Kayode has backtracked from his earlier allegation of secret meetings between the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and some officers of the Nigerian Army.
The renowned party decampee and media director commended the military for a swift response to the allegations.
Below is his statement:
“Glad that the Army has cleared the air & denied reports about a meeting between officers & @Atiku. Happy that the newspaper report I referred to has proved to be FALSE. As I said, “if true”, it would have been troubling. I commend the Military for their commitment to democracy.
“The fact that they can respond so quickly when we raise concerns is encouraging and proves that they are not only responsive and responsible but that we are also on the same page when it comes to civic duties, the rule of law, civilian rule, an open society and democracy.
“For the record, at no time did I accuse the Nigerian Army or Military High Command as an institution of plotting a coup or meeting with politicians but rather raised questions about some rogue officers who, according to media reports, allegedly met with Atiku.
“Thankfully those reports have been debunked and proved to be unfounded.
There is no gain saying that I have implicit confidence in the military and its High Command as an institution and I trust in their commitment to democracy which has been confirmed and proved over the last 24 years since the return of civilian rule in 1999. I would encourage them to continue to be watchful and alert and to continue their good work by supporting, protecting and sustaining our democracy.”
It would be recalled that the military in its response to the allegations called for the arrest and prosecution of those who are behind the unproven story.
