NUJ blacklists Cross River state govt, snub FFK in Uyo

Under fire former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode is beginning to feel the brunt of the vindictiveness of the Nigeria Union of Journalists as journalists in Akwa Ibom have decided to boycott any press briefing relating to the ex-minister’s current tour of PDP states which has taken him to Uyo, where he is being hosted by Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state.

Recall that the former PDP spokesperson has been on the wrong side of the headlines following his melt-down in Calabar where he verbally attacked a Daily Trust journalist, Eyo Charles, for asking him the source of his funding during this unofficial tour of PDP states in the country.

Days later, another video of FFK verbally abusing a journalist in Zamfara hit social media. In what was a replica of the incident in Calabar, a visibly upset Fani-Kayode was seen hurling invectives at the journalist, calling him ‘stupid’ and reminding the pressmen that he has been in politics since 1990 and has taken several hits from the opposition party in his 30 year political quest.

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In what appears to be a retaliation for assaulting one of their own, the NUJ in a statement signed by Amos Etuk, the Akwa Ibom NUJ chairman have held that they will have no business with Fani-Kayode’s present tour of the state, neither will they grant him any form of audience.

“In line with the disposition of the national leadership of our great Union, the State Council has directed that no journalist should attend a media parley with Femi Fani-Kayode or any of his activity at any location in Akwa Ibom State,” the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, said in a statement, Friday morning.

“The NUJ is not part of the visit” NUJ said in the statement.

Mr Etuk also disclosed that journalists in the state did not need Mr Fani-Kayode to tell them about Governor Udom Emmanuel’s performance. “We already know the governor’s performance and we are satisfied with it,” he said.

Another journalist, Abasifreke Effiong, the managing editor of the Dune newspaper, Uyo, said journalists in Nigeria must have each other’s back and stand up against anyone looking to undermine the profession.

“Whatever action NUJ in Akwa Ibom State takes in relation to FFK’s visit to the state will go a long way in defining our self-worth as professionals and (will) shape the way other members of the public will deal with us going forward,” Mr Effiong added.

In another development, the NUJ in Cross River State has “blacklisted” the Cross River state government following the incident with Eyo Charles last week.

The union, which also “blacklisted” Mr Fani-Kayode, took the decision after an emergency congress on Thursday.

A communique issued after the union congress, said the press briefing where Mr Fani-Kayode attacked the Daily Trust reporter was an “illegal one” by the Cross River government.

In a communique signed by the NUJ Chairman in Cross River state, Victor Ndu; the State Secretary of NUJ, Oka Ibor; and the Chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee, Richard Ndome, the union described Fani-Kayode’s attack on Eyo Charles as ‘illegal’. The union blamed the state government for its involvement in the incident.

The union also said it would send a letter to media outlets, asking them to pull their reporters out of the Government House, Calabar, and also for them to stop covering the activities of the state government until “the issue is resolved”

“Congress restates its total support for and stand with the Daily Trust correspondent, Eyo Charles on the question that resulted to the unprovoked outburst (from Fani-Kayode).

“Congress also directs the State Council to issue warning letters to members who attended the press conference and did not do anything to protect their colleague after which each of them is to individually write an apology letter through the State Council to the National Leadership of the Union with a firm promise never to violate the rules and regulations guiding the journalism practice.

“Congress hereby resolve that henceforth all press briefings by any individual(s), public or private organisations must be held at the NUJ Press Centre, unless as may be directed by the State Council,” the communique said.