Newsie Events:-
The Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has tendered an apology and regretted using the word “stupid” during an encounter with a journalist in Calabar.
Kayode has been on a tour of the South East and South-South states. During his visit to Cross River State, after seeing the wonderful works the Governor of the State Is doing, wanted to hold a press conference.
It was during the conference that Mr. Charles Eyo of the Daily Trust Newspaper asked to know who was ‘bankrolling’ the former minister’s tour.
The question caused disaffection to Mr. Kayode and he flared up and unleashed some vituperation on the journalist. He said,” What type of stupid question is that? What type of stupid question is that? Bankrolling who? Do you know who you are talking to? Bankrolling who? I will not take any questions from this man….”
Criticism trailed Femi Fani-Kayode’s outburst but finally, he listened to his advisors and expressed his regrets for doing the way he reacted.
He made this known via a post on his Facebook page. It reads;
“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 regret 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!”
Mr. Femi Fani- Kayode asked the journalist to provide proof of him threatening him after the encounter. This was in regard to the allegation made by the daily trust journalist of being attacked.
He said he has put aside the ugly incident and will continue his tour of the South.
We wish him a safe trip.