FEMI FANI-KAYODE APOLOGIZES FOR CALLING JOURNALIST STUPID
NEWS - Posted on: 26th Aug. 2020 at 4:49PM
Public and Media outrage had followed the insult meted on Daily Trust journalist, Eyo Charles, by Former Aviation minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode during a press briefing after his Tour of projects in Cross Rivers State.
Eyo Charles's question which infuriated for Former Minister was: "... sir, you said you have gone round six or seven states to inspect projects undertaken by those governors, and now you are here in Cross River state, rounding off your one-week visit to Governor Ayade. Who is bankrolling you?"
Chief Fani-Kayode, aka, FFK , in response to Eyo's question said the question was stupid and insulting, in fact, he called Eyo himself a stupid journalist. The public on social media criticized FFK for his outburst and both the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) and Daily Trust had issued a statement condemning FFK for his insult and disrespect for a senior Journalist who has asked a fair question.
But late yesterday, Chief Fani-Kayode apologized and withdrew his statement that the journalist was "stupid". Below is his full Statement which he wrote on his tweeter handle:
"I met with my advisors till late last night and I wish to say the following. I hereby withdraw the word "stupid" 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.
I 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. I 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 yet another state today!
Public and Media outrage had followed the insult meted on Daily Trust journalist, Eyo Charles, by Former Aviation minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode during a press briefing after his Tour of projects in Cross Rivers State.Eyo Charles's question which infuriated for Former Minister was: "... sir, you said you have gone round six or seven states to inspect projects undertaken by those governors, and now you are here in Cross River state, rounding off your one-week visit to Governor Ayade. Who is bankrolling you?"
Chief Fani-Kayode, aka, FFK , in response to Eyo's question said the question was stupid and insulting, in fact, he called Eyo himself a stupid journalist. The public on social media criticized FFK for his outburst and both the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) and Daily Trust had issued a statement condemning FFK for his insult and disrespect for a senior Journalist who has asked a fair question.
But late yesterday, Chief Fani-Kayode apologized and withdrew his statement that the journalist was "stupid". Below is his full Statement which he wrote on his tweeter handle:
"I met with my advisors till late last night and I wish to say the following. I hereby withdraw the word "stupid" 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.
I 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. I 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 yet another state today!
Posted by: Emdee David
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