NUJ berates FFK over attack on Daily Trust reporter ~ Truth Reporters
25 August 2020 | 6:23 pm
The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ has condemned the gangster-like outburst by Chief Femi Fani Kayode against the Cross River State Correspondent of the Daily Trust Newspaper, Eyo Charles who asked him a simple question which he felt was embarrassing.
In his reaction, Kayode assaulted the journalist and threatened him for daring to ask such a question.
NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo in a statement 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.
"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.
"By delving into politics and holding political office, Fani Kayode is very conversant with the watchdog role of the media.
"For him to have embarked on 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.
"His reaction was totally unacceptable, dishonourable and reprehensible and we demand for retraction of his untoward, irritating and awkward utterances which negate simple decorum and civility.
"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." Isiguzo stated.
Fani is a public official and must respond to d demands of being one ie being a civilised responder to issues of national interest and not be angry.
ReplyDeleteHis oublic outburst of anger reveals the journalist may have touched on a raw nerve and portends some elements of truth in what was asked.
When Jesus was accused of using beelzelbull to cast out demons he didnt get angry instead he schooled his accusers of the implication of using beelzebul to cast out demons... Lol
such response is what is expected of public officials, who should school the journalist rather than be angry, like Obama did throughout his presidency, schooling cnn and other networks journalists who wanted to riddicul him because he is black, until they all stopped trying to riducule him because he always made them small by schooling them with intelligence,
if u are to win hearts and minds in politics U should express anger in private but a sucker in public.
A new low for Fani and he must publicly apologise to the Journalist if he is to secure a new high or go from Zero to Hero. My candid take on this.