Fani-Kayode Expresses Regret In Letter To NUJ President Over Verbal Attack On Journalist
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has officially communicated his regret to the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) over his verbal attack on Eyo Charles, a reporter with Daily Trust Newspaper.
Mr Fani-Kayode Kayode had described Eyo Charles as “very stupid” at a press briefing in Calabar, Cross River State on Thursday August 20, 2020.
He went offensive against him (Eyo Charles) for asking “who was bankrolling his tour” of states with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members as governors.
Fani-Kayode is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
In a letter dated August 29, 2020 and addressed to Isiguzo Christopher, the president of NUJ, Fani-Kayode said his action was regrettable and disproportionate.
Titled “Expression of Regret” the letter is reproduced below…
My recent verbal altercation with a member of your union, who is the Cross River State Correspondent of Daily Trust newspaper during a Press Conference I addressed in Calabar refers.
I wish to convey my regrets to the reporter for my response to him and I also wish to express my regrets to the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and members of the Nigerian media, whom I hold in high esteem.
I believe that my reaction was disproportionate and unduly harsh even though I felt deeply provoked by the fact that the reporter asserted that I was being bankrolled by somebody for something that I was funding entirely on my own.
I do hope that our relationship will continue as it has always been.
Thanks for your understanding and be rest assured that I not only hold you, your union and your members in high esteem but that I also remain one of those that is committed to press freedom and free speech in our country.
I consider myself to be a friend, a supporter and a strong ally of the Nigerian media and my hitherto excellent relationship with members of your organisation and your colleagues spanning over the last thirty years proves this to be the case. I wish you all the very best.
Chief Femi Fani-Kayode,
Sadaukin Shinkafi and Otunba of Jogaland.
