‘I Disappointed Myself’: Fani-Kayode Shows Remorse As NUJ Boycotts Media Chat

Related stories

“Nigeria’s challenges not about the constitution, but its operators”, says Obasanjo

By Yanju Uwala A former Nigerian President and military Head...

Nigeria Surpasses OPEC’s 1.5 Million Barrel Oil Quota in June 2025

By Abiola Olawale In a major achievement for Africa’s largest...

Natasha vs Akpabio: Senate President Heads to Court, Challenges Court Order to Reinstate Senator

By Abiola Olawale President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio...

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.New Fani-Kayode

Read also: Akwa Ibom Shuts Down Livestock Markets to Curb COVID 19 Spread

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.”

'Dotun Akintomide
'Dotun Akintomide
'Dotun Akintomide's journalism works intersect business, environment, politics and developmental issues. Among a number of local and international publications, his work has appeared in the New York Times. He's a winner of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Award. Currently, the Online Editor at The New Diplomat, Akintomide has produced reports that uniquely spoke to Nigeria's experience on Climate Change issues. When Akintomide is not writing, volunteering or working on a media project, you can find him seeing beautiful sites like the sandy beaches that bedecked the Lagos coastline.

Subscribe

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from up to 5 devices at once

Latest stories

NDN
Latest News
Elderstatesman, Emeka Anyaoku, Speaks Again , Urges Nigeria to Adopt a "People’s Democratic Constitution""Nigeria's challenges not about the constitution, but its operators", says ObasanjoNigeria Surpasses OPEC’s 1.5 Million Barrel Oil Quota in June 2025Natasha vs Akpabio: Senate President Heads to Court, Challenges Court Order to Reinstate SenatorOluwo Commends Awujale's Burial, Says Late Monarchs Shouldn't Be "Butchered Like Animals"Alleged N6.9Billion Fraud: Drama as Ex-Governor Fayose Wins in CourtOgun PDP Knocks Dapo Abiodun, Backs Striking Workers: "Strike Action is lawful, a response to Abuse"[Full Letter] Atiku Abubakar Quits PDP, Signals Major Political Shift Ahead of 2027 ElectionsNational Grid Crisis: Six Universities, MTN, NDA, 16 Others Exit Grid, Resort to Own Power GenerationOgun PDP Knocks Dapo Abiodun, Backs Striking Workers: "Strike Action is lawful, a response to Abuse"Alleged N6.9Billion Fraud: Drama as Ex-Governor Fayose Wins in CourtOluwo Commends Awujale's Burial, Says Late Monarchs Shouldn't Be "Butchered Like Animals"Natasha vs Akpabio: Senate President Heads to Court, Challenges Court Order to Reinstate SenatorNigeria Surpasses OPEC’s 1.5 Million Barrel Oil Quota in June 2025"Nigeria's challenges not about the constitution, but its operators", says Obasanjo
X whatsapp