The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has condemned the former minister of aviation, Femi Fani Kayode for verbally assaulting Eyo Charles, a Correspondent of the Daily Trust Newspaper.
The PDP chieftain had held a press conference in Cross River State at the end of his tour of states in the South-South region controlled by the party.
Fani-Kayode was seen in a viral video attacking the journalist and calling him stupid for asking the ex-minister if his tour was being sponsored by any politician or political group.
NUJ berated Fani-Kayode for what it tagged as “gangster-like” attack on the journalist.
Reacting, NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, in a statement, stressed that the reporter only asked “a simple question” and Fani-Kayode’s comment was uncalled for.
He said: “For him to have embarked on an 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.”
Isiguzo said Fani-Kayode’s reaction to the question was against “simple decorum and civility” and, therefore, “unacceptable, dishonourable and reprehensible.”
He demanded a retraction from him.
“By delving into politics and holding political office, Fani Kayode is very conversant with the watchdog role of the media.
“We are more shocked that the same Kayode who had 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.
“He had already visited six states. This is indeed, terribly disappointing.
“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.”
