JUST IN: Fani-Kayode Apologises For Calling Journalist ‘Stupid’
Former Minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, has apologised to the Daily Trust journalist, Eyo Charles for using derogatory words on him during an interview session.
The former minister, in a series of tweets on Wednesday morning, said he regretted his action which had made him to offend many of his friends in the media.
Femi Fani-Kayode
He said, “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.”
However, Fani-Kayode denied allegations that he was threatening to harm the Daily Trust reporter.
“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 honourable 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 another state today!” he said.
Thelagostimes had reported how the former minister called the reporter ‘stupid’ during a press conference in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Fani-Kayode was seen giving the Daily Trust reporter a dressing down for asking him a “stupid question”.
The journalist was said to have asked Fani-Kayode who bankrolled his recent tour of several southern states.
However, the former minister, who was infuriated by the question, said the journalist was stupid.
