By Akanimo Kufre (The New Diplomat’s A/Ibom|C/River Correspondent)
Former Aviation Minister, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode has shown remorse for verbally attacking a Daily Trust reporter, Mr. Eyo Charles, describing him as “very stupid.”
Fani-Kayode on Friday, said he’s “deeply sorry” for his negative reaction to the journalist’s question.
While reacting to a question asked by Charles at a press conference in Calabar, Cross River state capital, Fani-Kayode, who himself is a social critic had poured brimstone on the journalist for daring to know who was bankrolling his tour of some states in the south.
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Before showing remorse on Friday, Fani-Kayode had initially apologised on Twitter, but failed to make any direct reference to the journalist, instead chose to apologise to his media friends.
However, the former Minister at a press conference at government house, Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom, Friday, said after a cursory look at the manner of his reaction, he was disappointed in himself.
“I’m deeply sorry for the manner I reacted to the said reporter. I was too hard on him. The question was mischievous, but I fell for it,” he said.
“I should have been smarter than that. I am using this opportunity to reach out to him, and I hope he will be kind enough to forgive me. I disappointed myself, my family and friends, my colleagues and even my bosses, those who hold me in high esteem.
“I have regrets, it was not my finest day. No leader or public figure should ever react like that. I disappointed myself. I deeply regret it and I believe it will never happen again.”
Following the outburst of verbal attack on the Daily Trust journalist by the former presidential spokesperson, the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) in Akwa Ibom directed journalists to boycotted all media briefing with the former Aviation Minister.
In a letter jointly signed by the NUJ chairman, Amos Etuk and secretary, Mr Dominic Akpan, the Union directed all chapels in the state to avoid FFK’s media parley.
“In line with the disposition of the national leadership of our great Union, the State Council has directed that no journalist should attend a media parley with Femi Fani-Kayode or any of his activity at any location in Akwa Ibom State.”
While stating that journalist in the state will not associate with Fani-Kayode, some individuals commended the Akwa Ibom State NUJ leadership for its bold solidarity for an abused member.
“It is gratifying that the leadership of the NUJ in the state has risen to the occasion. AK NUJ and any other forum of enlightened persons has no business honouring an arrogant,boastful and psychopathic character like FFK.” APC Youth Leader,Otuekong Iniobong John praised NUJ.
Meanwhile, some Akwa Ibom bloggers who identified themselves as ‘Media Friends Of FFK In Akwa Ibom State’, showed a variance support to the former Minister.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the group, Mr. Utitofon Morgan, the bloggers said: “We, Media Friends of Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), Akwa Ibom State Chapter welcome our Leader, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode to Akwa Ibom State on a project inspection tour.
“As you tour round the state inspecting projects, we assure our leader that the state is in safe hands of Gov Udom Emmanuel who has changed the state from a civil service state to an industrial hub.
“We also assure our leader of positive publicity as he begins his tour in the state.”
