Fani-Kayode’s Attack On Daily Trust Reporter, Totally Reprehensible – NUJ
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned in very strong terms, what it described as “the gangster-like outburst” by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode against the Cross River State Correspondent of the Daily Trust Newspaper, Eyo Charles.
Eyo had asked Fani-Kayode at a press conference to tell Nigerians “who is sponsoring his tour of projects in states and under what platform” which he (Fani-Kayode) considered embarrassing and started to insult the reporter.
The NUJ in a statement by its National President, Mr Chris Isiguzo, said that the action of Fani-Kayode is totally unacceptable, dishonourable and reprehensible and therefore demanded a retraction of what the Union described as “his untoward, irritating and awkward utterances” which negate simple decorum and civility.
The NUJ said that it is more shocked that the same Fani-Kayode, who in recent times, used his social media handles to call leaders to account is at the same time attacking a Journalist for a simple demand for him to unmask those behind his nationwide tour, adding that the former minister of Aviation had already visited six states.
Fani-Kayode pointedly assaulted the journalist and threatened him for daring to ask such a question.
The NUJ further said that by denigrating the journalist, Fani Kayode has exposed himself the more as an intolerant and unstable person who will not want his activities closely scrutinised by the media.
Isiguzo further said; “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, Fani-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.
“This is indeed, terribly disappointing,” the NUJ stressed.
