Former Minister of Aviation in Nigeria, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has
apologised for calling Eyo Charles, a Reporter with Daily Trust
Newspapers “stupid”.
Fani-Kayode said he regrets his action which has offended his friends in
the Media.
In a text message sent to Pointblanknews.com, Fani-Kayode said he
regretted his action, which had made him offend many of his friends in
the media.
He said, “I met with my advisors and I wish to say the following. I
hereby withdraw the word “stupid” which I used in my encounter with a
journalist in Calabar. I have many friends in the media who I offended
by losing my cool and using such words. I hereby express my regret for
doing so.
“I do however wish to state categorically that no threat of physical
harm was ever made to the journalist in question and neither did I send
anyone to threaten him. Anyone that says otherwise is lying and I
challenge them to bring the proof.
“I would never seek to physically harm a journalist. For the last 30
years, I have defended and worked with journalists and fought for the
right of freedom of expression. I am also very close to many in that
profession.
“I would be the last to seek to disparage those that are honourable and
noble within its ranks. I hope that this will assuage the pain and anger
of anyone that was hurt or offended by this ugly episode. I have now put
this matter behind me and moved on.”