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The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has blacklisted press conference planned by former minister of aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, asking members to shun the media chat.
This was contained in a communique released by the union on Friday directing members to distant themselves from activities organised by Fani-Kayode, The Cable reports.
The former minister had announced his arrival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday. The visit comes after his infamous verbal attack of a journalist at a press conference in Calabar, Cross River State.
Fani-Kayode had been on a tour of some states in Southern Nigeria, especially those where his party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controls. It was the tour that took him to Calabar where he lashed out at a journalist for asking what he termed ‘a stupid question’.
While answering questions from journalist in his Calabar press conference, Daily Trust journalist, Charles Eyo had sought to know who was bankrolling the former minister’s trip.
Fani-Kayode who felt insulted by the question responded, “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.”
His response attracted criticism from different quarters, including the NUJ which described him as “intolerant and unstable”.
NUJ president, Chris Isiguzo had stated that it was absurd that Fani-Kayode who regularly speaks against people in authority will take offence at a journalist for seeking clarification.
Isiguzo 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.”
Recall that Fani-Kayode apoligised to his “friends in the media” for using the word, “stupid”.
This post was written by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.