‘I Am Deeply Sorry’ – Femi Fani-Kayode Apologises To Daily Trust Reporter He Insulted

Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation, has apologised to Eyo Charles, a Daily Trust reporter, he rained insulting words on last week during a press conference in Calabar, Cross Rivers state.

The ex-minister, who began a tour of some states, especially those controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) states in July, visited Cross River last week.

At the press conference which took place in Calabar, Charles had asked Fani-Kayode if anyone was bankrolling his trip.

However, the former minister, who felt offended by the question, lashed out at the reporter, describing him as “very stupid”.

Read Also: Femi Fani-Kayode Lashes Out On Journalist During Press Briefing, Says He Has No Apology To Offer For It (video)

He said;

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.

His comments sparked heavy backlash, with at least two chapters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) boycotting his other activities in the state.

Read Also: Journalists Boycott Fani-Kayode’s Press Conference In Akwa Ibom

The ex-minister had initially ‘withdrawn’ the word ‘stupid’ which he repeatedly called Charles during the clash.

Read Also: Fani-Kayode Apologises For Calling Journalist ‘Stupid’

Speaking at a press conference in the Akwa Ibom state government house on Friday August 28, Fani-Kayode has now offered a formal apology, saying that he disappointed himself and everyone with his outburst.

He stated;

I’m deeply sorry for the manner I reacted to the said reporter. I was too hard on him. The question was mischievous, but I fell for it. I should have been smarter than that. I am using this opportunity to reach out to him, and I hope he will be kind enough to forgive me. I disappointed myself, my family and friends, my colleagues and even my bosses, those who hold me in high esteem.

I have regrets, it was not my finest day. No leader or public figure should ever react like that. I disappointed myself. I deeply regret it and I believe it will never happen again.