A former Nigerian Minister of Aviation Chief Femi Fani-Kayode last week Tuesday paid a 'courtsey' visit to President Jonathan at his official residence- the Aso Rock Villa. While it came as a huge shock to quite a few people, many others have merely seen it as part of the political maneuvering that has become the order of the day in Nigeria recently. This is considering the fact that the visitor has been a well known voice in the opposition who has never missed any opportunity to cast aspersions on the present administration.
But perhaps more worrisome to me is the fact that this 'visitor' is currently being tried for embezzlement of public funds while in office as a Minister. And like the biblical Zacheus, he has dined with the 'master'. However one cannot help but wonder why on earth should such a meeting hold. What could Mr. President or his administration stand to gain meeting with a man with a doubtful integrity and no political clout especially now that the country is facing very serious and challenging issues like insecurity and terrorism. What has the former minister got to offer to this administration that he probably forgot to proffer when he was in office?
On his visit, the former minister was quoted as saying : “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.”
Perhaps the insane, criminals and drug addicts are equally welcomed to Aso Rock!