Nigeria’s former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK) who was at the centre of a viral video controversy yesterday has apologised to Eyo Charles, the Daily Trust journalist whom he attacked at a press conference in Calabar, the Cross River state capital for asking “stupid questions.”
FFK had, on Tuesday, said he had no apology to offer after a video of him verbally attacking the journalist went viral.
The former minister who has been touring some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) states, was caught on video shouting at the journalist and ended his press conference abruptly.
After Nigerians lampooned the politician for his outbursts, FFK took to his Twitter handle to make the following clarifications: “I met with my advisors & 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 & using such words. I hereby express my regrets for doing so.”
He also denied claims of threatening the journalist and challenged anyone making such claims to bring proof.
“I would never seek to physically harm a journalist. For the last 30 years, I have defended & worked with journalists & fought for the right of freedom of expression,” the former minister said.
“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.”
Daily Trust has also issued a statement criticizing the former presidential spokesman for attacking their staff and warned that should any harm befall the journalist, he (FFK) would be held liable.
