The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists has directed its members to boycott a planned media briefing by a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, after his tour of the state.

In a statement on Friday, the chapter asked journalists not to attend any activity organised by the former minister.

Femi Fani-Kayode

Thelagostimes gathered that the former Minister of Aviation arrived Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in continuation of his tour of South-South, and was received by Governor Udom Emmanuel.

According to the statement signed by the state NUJ chairman, Emos Etuk, and Secretary, Dominic Akpan, the decision is in line with the instruction from the national leadership of the union.

“Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has directed its members to boycott a press conference planned for Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation.

“This came days after Fani-Kayode insulted a journalist for asking him what he described as a “stupid question” at a press conference after his tour of Cross River state.

“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 NUJ is not part of the visit,” the statement read in part.

Thelagostimes recalls that the ex-minister, who began a tour of some states in July, visited Cross River last week.

At a press conference in Calabar, Cross River state capital, Eyo Charles, a journalist with Daily Trust, had asked a question about who was bankrolling Fani-Kayode’s trip.

The former minister felt offended by the question and went ahead to insult the journalist, referring to him as “very stupid”.

“I could see from your face before you got here, how stupid you are. Don’t ever talk to me like that. Who do you think you’re talking to. Bankroll who? You think I am one of those ones you… from who, when, how? You have a small mind, a very small mind. Don’t judge me by your own standards,” he had said.

Chris Isiguzo, the national NUJ President, had described Fani-Kayode’s outburst as disappointing. He had noted that Fani-Kayode, who holds leaders to account, is the same person attacking a journalist for doing his job.

“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,” Chris had said in a statement.