- As NUJ, Nigerians Lash Ex-Minister
By Gbenga AbuludeĀ
Former Aviation Minister, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has apologised for using several unprintable names while verbally assaulting a Daily Trust reporter, Mr. Eyo Charles, including calling him “stupid” as seen in a viral video.
In his reaction to a question at a press conference in Cross River state capital, Calabar, Fani-Kayode, who himself has a knack for trying to hold government to account, poured brimstone on the journalist for daring to know who was bankrolling his tour of some states in South-south and South-east.
Apologizing for his action in a series of tweets, Wednesday morning, Fani-Kayode said he regretted using the derogatory words which had made him to offend many of his friends in the media.
He tweeted, āI met with my advisors and I wish to say the following. I hereby withdraw the word āstupidā which I used in my encounter with a journalist in Calabar. I have many friends in the media who I offended by losing my cool and using such words. I hereby express my regrets for doing so.
“I do however wish to state categorically that no threat of physical harm was ever made to the journalist in question and neither did I send anyone to threaten him. Anyone that says otherwise is lying and I challenge them to bring the proof.
āI would never seek to physically harm a journalist. For the last 30 years I have defended and worked with journalists and fought for the right of freedom of expression. I am also very close to many in that profession.
āI would be the last to seek to disparage those that are honorable and noble within its ranks. I hope that this will assuage the pain and anger of anyone that was hurt or offended by this ugly episode. I have now put this matter behind me and moved on. Now my tour of the South continues. Moving to another state today!ā
On Tuesday, the reporter had provided more details on how security aides to Fani-Kayode further threatened him after the press conference.
Recounting what transpired during the conference, Charles said it took the intervention of the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ayade, Mr Christian Ita, and other journalists before the ex-minister could leave him, saying, “You can go ahead and write your rubbish. I have marked you.”
“When I was recognised, I asked, āSir, please you did not disclose to us who is bankrolling youā¦.
“FFK did not allow me to land with the question when he threw caution to the wind and shouted at me, and said the press briefing was over.
āHe then rained terrible abuses on me, calling me unprintable names; that I was sponsored to come and ask and insult him.”
āWhen he returned to his suite, he sent one of his security aides to further threaten me. The man accosted me, saying what effrontery did I have to ask such a stupid question, and what was my next action.
āSensing how tensed up the atmosphere was, I said to the man, āI had apologised to the ex-minister. If the usage of the word ābankrollā was offensive to him, then I withdraw it. What more should I do?ā I then sneaked away.
āNow the ex-minister is circulating a doctored video, claiming I was rude to him. What could be farther from the truth! I have a modest background and well trained as a high priest to respect people of all standing,” Charles narrated.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned Fani-Kayode over his unsavoury remarks.
In a statement released by its President, Mr. Chris Isiguzo, Tuesday, the NUJ said by denigrating the journalist, Fani-Kayode has exposed himself as an intolerant and unstable person who will not want his activities closely scrutinised by the media.
He said, “It is instructive to remind the likes of Fani Kayode that it is the Constitutional right of Journalists to monitor and keep a check on people and institutions in power.
“By delving into politics and holding political office, Fani Kayode is very conversant with the watchdog role of the media.
“For him to have embarked on assessment of projects in some states, even though we are yet to be told under what platform, he is doing so, it is proper for the media to hold him to account for his actions and decisions.
“His reaction was totally unacceptable, dishonourable and reprehensible and we demand for retraction of his untoward, irritating and awkward utterances which negate simple decorum and civility.
“We are more shocked that the same Kayode who had in recent times, used his social media handles to call leaders to account is at the same time attacking a Journalist for a simple demand for him to unmask those behind his nationwide tour. He had already visited six states. This is indeed, terribly disappointing.”
However, after withdrawing the vulgar words he used to describe the journalist, Fani-Kayode is still underfire as many Nigerians are calling on him to do more than his Twitter apology.
Some Reactions To Fani-kayode’s Twitter post:
