NUJ shuns Femi Fani-Kayode’s media parley in Akwa Ibom

By Isaac Job

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom Council, has boycotted coverage of activities of former Minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, who is monitoring projects executed by the state government, Daily Times gathered.

This was contained in a statement signed by the NUJ Chairman, Mr Amos Etuk and the Secretary, Mr Dominic Akpan on Friday in Uyo.

The former minister of aviation, in a viral video, was seen verbally assaulting Cross River correspondent of Daily Trust, Mr Eyo Charles, for asking him a question he considered “stupid.’’ Etuk directed that the chapels should not attend a media parley with the ex-minister, Mr FaniKayode at any location in the state.

“In line with the disposition of the national leadership of our great union, the state council has directed that no journalists should attend a media parley with Femi Fani-Kayode or any of his activity at any location in Akwa Ibom,” Etuk said.

Earlier in the week, NUJ condemned the action of FaniKayode. Its President, Mr Chris Isiguzo, in a statement in Abuja said Fani-Kayode’s disposition exposed him as intolerant.

“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, 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 Fani-Kayode who had in recent times, used his social media handles to call leaders to account is at the same time attacking a journalist,” Iziguzo said.

Meanwhile, Fani-Kayode has since taken back his use of the word “stupid” in a tweet.

He said: “I met with my advisors & 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 & 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.

READ ALSO: NUJ, Daily Trust flay Fani-Kayode’s attack on reporter

For the last 30 years I have defended & worked with journalists & 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.”