Political Editor/Publisher, Abuja Network News.
In the dynamic landscape of Nigerian politics, one name stands out - Chief Femi Fani-Kayode. A prominent Nigerian politician, lawyer, poet, and essayist, Fani-Kayode has been a vocal and strong-willed figure throughout his career. From his early days as a member of the then opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) to his recent return to the party after battles within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fani-Kayode has always spoken his mind without fear. Despite facing accusations and political witch hunts, he has been cleared of all charges by a competent court of law.
Fani-Kayode's political journey began with his founding of the "September Club" in 1987, a national group that brought together young politicians and professionals. This led to his election as its leader in 1988. He also played a significant role in the Nigerian National Congress (N.N.C) in 1989, where he served as the national youth leader.
Throughout the 1990s, Fani-Kayode held influential positions in Nigerian politics. He served as Chief Press Secretary to Chief Tom Ikimi, the first national chairman of the National Republican Convention (N.R.C), and later as Special Assistant to Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, the former head of the Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO) and a leading presidential aspirant.
Due to the oppressive regime of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1996, Fani-Kayode went into self-exile, joining the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) abroad. He actively participated in the fight against Abacha's regime and advocated for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. Encouraged by President Olusegun Obasanjo, he returned to Nigeria in 2001.
In 2002, Fani-Kayode co-founded the Progressive Action Movement (PAM), a significant political movement consisting of young and dynamic politicians. The following year, he became a member of President Obasanjo's presidential campaign team and later the first-ever Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the President after the successful election.
During his tenure as Minister of Culture and Tourism in 2006, Fani-Kayode made remarkable strides in the aviation sector. He was later reassigned to the Aviation Ministry, where he played a key role in ensuring aviation safety and security. His diligent management brought an end to a series of plane crashes and exposed a massive corruption scandal within the aviation sector. Fani-Kayode also prioritized the treatment of Nigerian citizens with dignity and respect by foreign airline operators.
As Minister of Aviation, Fani-Kayode oversaw the completion and commissioning of the MM2 Domestic Airport Terminal in Lagos, which became the largest and most sophisticated domestic airport terminal on the African continent. His tenure was marked by his transparency and accountability, as he presented a detailed account of his achievements before the Senate Aviation Committee in 2008.
Since the end of President Obasanjo's tenure, Fani-Kayode has continued his involvement in politics and legal practice. His outspokenness and dedication to Nigeria's development have earned him numerous awards and recognition, including the Merit Award by the Southern Youth Foundation in 2006 and the Preservation of Cultural Values of Nigerians Award by the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism in the same year. He was also honored as the City People Magazine Minister of the Year in 2007, FFK as He's fondly called is also the traditional title holder of Sadaukin Shinkafi in Zamfara State among many others.
Femi Fani-Kayode remains a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian politics, and his unwavering commitment to speaking his mind and been true to his conviction, one can only but wish the Sadaukin Shinkafi more health, wealth and sound mind.
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Opinion