NUJ condemns Femi Kayode’s attack on Daily Trust reporter

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ has condemned what it described as a gangster-like outburst by former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode against the Cross River State Correspondent of the Daily Trust Newspaper, Eyo Charles.

The reporter was said to have only asked him a simple question which he felt was embarrassing.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, the National President of the Union, Comr. Chris Isiguzo, said Kayode assaulted the journalist and threatened him for daring to ask such a question.

Isiguzo said that 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.

He noted that “It was 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.

He maintained that 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” he said.

Speaking further, he said Kayode’s reaction was totally unacceptable, dishonourable and reprehensible and that the union demands for retraction of his (Kayode’s) 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” he added.