Former spokesman of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, talking about his 67 days experience in prison, has accused an “intolerant” President Muhammadu Buhari of keeping political prisoners. He also described his stay in EFCC custody and Kirikiri prison as traumatic and depressing.
The one time minister of aviation, who was released on bail on Friday, told the Punch on Saturday that his release would enable him prepare his defence to the allegations levelled against him. However, he pointed out that his freedom would be meaningless if other people in detention are not released.
“It was quite an ordeal. It was an ordeal. But I thank God that I am free and that I have been given an opportunity to defend myself in court when the case starts – I am looking forward to that. Outside of that, the truth is that as long as others who are also political prisoners and have been falsely accused are still in (security agencies’) custody our country, then I believe that my freedom is meaningless.
“So, until every single political prisoner or every single person falsely accused by the state, by the government and the EFCC has been released; has been given the opportunity to defend himself in court; and until that happens, I don’t think any of us is free. We still have people like Sambo Dasuki, Iyiola Omisore and many others in prison or EFCC’s custody,” he told said.
Fani-Kayode also said his release would allow him to prepare for any eventuality, saying that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government is intolerant of criticisms.
“You have people in EFCC custody – husbands and wives locked up for no good reasons. It is very traumatic and depressing but now, is not the time to talk; right now I am preparing my defence. I am preparing for any eventuality because I know the government is capable of doing anything to anybody at anytime, who criticises them.
“I am also preparing and praying for what lies ahead. Whatever the case, the struggle will continue and then we shall prevail. Those that seek to impose an ethnic and religious bondage and servitude on people of this nation will not succeed. And, every Nigerian, regardless of his religious faith or where he comes from, will and shall be treated equally – and that’s what we are fighting for.”
On if he ate prison food, he said, “While in prison, I only ate food that was brought to me by my wife. The prison officials were very professional. People were treated like human beings and that is to be commended. But being in EFCC’s custody is a different kettle of fish. I am glad to be free at last. I pray that this country is delivered from the sort of evil where people are just accused and locked up indefinitely and maligned by the press.”
Fani-Kayode is accused of receiving N840m from former NSA, Sambo Dasuki (also in detention) during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election and was arraigned on June 28, 2016, before Justice Hassan on 17 counts of conspiracy, unlawful retention of proceeds of theft and money laundering.
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