Oyo state chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has directed its members to boycott any press conference called for by former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode in Ibadan.
NUJ Chairman, Ademola Babalola gave this directive during a radio programme in Ibadan, the state capital on Monday, August 31.
Babalola gave the order to boycott the press conference following a verbal attack on a Daily Trust reporter by the former Minister in Cross River State.
The ex-minister, 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, a question which sparked outburst from the former minister.
Reacting to this, Babalola said;
It was about two hours ago that we learnt that FFK in his usual junketing across the nation allegedly landed in Ibadan last night. We heard that he has invited some of our colleagues to a press conference.
As I am talking to you now, we have not gotten any circular, any contrary position from the NUJ in Abuja to henceforth forgive him or attend any of his programme forthwith.
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He stressed;
As a journalist, I expect a kind of sober reflection on the part of FFK. I had expected that he would pay a visit to the NUJ president, Chris Iziguso and possibly the management of Daily Trust Newspaper to atone for his many ‘sins’ against journalists in the country. So, for now, Oyo NUJ’s position is still very clear that we are boycotting this press conference today in Ibadan.
Officially, we are not aware of anything as we speak to you. Today, FFK remains blacklisted in the media industry in Nigeria until otherwise stated by the National Secretariat of our union in Abuja through a written document in the form of a memo, circular or statement to all State Councils.
The NUJ Chairman explained;
For now, NUJ has not sent a circular down to various state councils in Nigeria to tell us the update, though we read on social media and newspapers that he has sent an apology letter.
He had in the letter said he disappointed himself, friends and family over his attack on Eyo Charles. The reason for FFK’s ongoing tour is still strange to all. This is what our colleague, Charles, was trying to unravel in Cross River when FFK attacked him. We wonder why he is travelling all about when he is not the PDP National Chairman or assigned such duty by the PDP.
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He said that FFK had truly apologised over the attack, but people should be made to atone their sins now on earth, stressing;
As a human being, to err is human but to forgive his divine. I agree but he should at least be more circumspect and allow the heat to go down.
