The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has condemned what it described as the gangster-like outburst by former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani Kayode, against the Cross River State Correspondent of the Daily Trust Newspaper, Eyo Charles.
The journalist had asked a question about who was bankrolling Fani-Kayode’s on-going visit to some states of the federation, an action that prompted verbal assault on the journalist.
The NUJ in the statement signed by its National President, Chris Isiguzo, said in his reaction, Fani-Kayode assaulted the journalist and threatened him for daring to ask such a question.
The NUJ said 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.
The journalists’ umbrella body hinted that 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.
It noted that by delving into politics and holding political office, Fani-Kayode is very conversant with the watchdog role of the media.
The NUJ further noted that for the former Aviation Minister to have embarked on assessment of projects in some states, even though it is 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.
The NUJ said that Fani-Kayode’s reaction was totally unacceptable, dishonourable, and reprehensible and demands for retraction of his untoward, irritating, and awkward utterances which negate simple decorum and civility, adding that the union is more shocked that the former Minister who had only recently, 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 to six states so far.
