Political merchandising is an age-old practice, but few have mastered it quite like Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode. He has honed the art of selling his ideas to maximize personal gain, even if it means resorting to dishonest tactics. In many ways, he embodies the characteristics of a cunning merchant, reminiscent of the Merchant of Venice.
It is worth acknowledging that he possesses the cleverness of a Pharisee, although his character and convictions are questionable. He often quotes the Bible, presenting himself as a moralist, but his true nature is more aligned with that of the devil.
Fani-Kayode has become adept at political sorcery, skillfully conjuring illusions that can easily entice those who are not grounded in sound reasoning or moral values.
However, it is surprising that the Nigerian political establishment tolerates a man who has repeatedly failed in various endeavors. In every court, there are jesters and entertainers, and Fani-Kayode seems to fill that role effortlessly. Despite facing multiple corruption charges, including allegations of misusing government funds and forging a medical report (see: https://www.channelstv.com/2022/02/26/how-fani-kayode-paid-me-n820000-for-forged-medical-report-witness/), he thrives on providing ghoulish entertainment.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo once remarked, “Femi Fani-Kayode is my boy. Provide him food, and he will eat and sing for you.” Recently, he sang plaintively against Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, someone who surpasses him in every aspect imaginable.
Fani-Kayode’s nature, manifested in his desire to be seen as a defender of President Bola Tinubu when the president doesn’t require such a character, further solidifies the notion that he is indeed a descendant of the greatest liar in history—the devil!
Had Fani-Kayode paid closer attention, he would have known that Dr. Otti, as the former chief executive of the defunct Diamond Bank, has maintained a positive relationship with President Tinubu. Exploiting administrative housekeeping in the new administration of Abia State only exposes Fani-Kayode’s divisive and deceitful character.
A person like Fani-Kayode, who lacks any political capital other than being a noisy troublemaker, would do well to demonstrate his successes in elections or show any polling booth where he has achieved victory throughout his life. If he genuinely believes in his relevance beyond his fading reputation, he should showcase a thriving enterprise that grants him the credibility to engage with accomplished individuals in various industries.
A brief exploration of his history reveals a conflicted, two-faced individual lacking moral integrity—an empty vessel whining like a child trapped in an adult’s body. It is crucial to highlight Fani-Kayode’s duplicity.
For instance, on July 17, 2017, in one of his typical outbursts, Fani-Kayode described the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “stinking corpses” and “rotting cadavers,” exuding a putrid odor comparable to rotting Chinese fish and a Calcutta brothel (see: https://dailypost.ng/2017/07/17/femi-fani-kayode-apc-cult-death/). On July 2, 2014, he directed similar derogatory remarks toward Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the former Minister of Information, and the APC, calling them pernicious liars and cowards (see: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/164295-let-us-meet-in-court-fani-kayode-challenges-apc.html?tztc=1).
These instances merely scratch the surface of the hate-filled and destructive rhetoric that has defined Fani-Kayode’s life. However, being a “fair-weather” character, it is no surprise that he flip-flops whenever his daily feeding bottle is threatened. Presently, he is agitated by the lack of appointments and feels the need to bark from the anguish of rejection to gain attention. What a pity!
Fortunately, the president has already made most of his personal appointments, and Fani-Kayode’s exclusion, likely extending to the ministerial list, fuels his need to shout out of desperation for recognition. Alas!
If Fani-Kayode persists in his foolishness against Governor Otti, he should be reminded that when the president meets with governors, Fani-Kayode will not be anywhere near the gates of Aso Rock. On the other hand, Governor Otti, a global figure leading the Abia renaissance, will not only be present but also stand alongside hundreds of thousands of Abians, a testament to his leadership. Unfortunately, such a feat will forever elude Fani-Kayode. How pitiful and detestable!
Hon. Kalu is the member representing Arochukwu State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly.
