Femi Fani-Kayode Issues Apology For Calling Reporter ‘Stupid’

By Emmanuel Awosika

Ex-Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has issued a public apology for calling a Daily Trust reporter ‘stupid’ at a press conference in Cross River State.

Recently, a video of Fani-Kayode insulting the reporter, identified as Eyo Charles, went viral on social media, prompting severe backlash against the former Minister.

In the video, Fani-Kayode can be seen yelling at the reporter and calling him ‘stupid’ after the latter asked him a question. Fani-Kayode also called the reporter’s question “an assertion and insult”, accusing him of being sent by those who were out to embarrass him.

However, in a change of tune, FFK, as he is known, issued a statement on Twitter on Wednesday apologizing for hurling the word ‘stupid’ at the reporter, and said he wishes to withdraw the word.

“I met with my advisors till late last night 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 regrets 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 honorable 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. Now my tour of the South continues. Moving to yet another state today!,” Fani-Kayode said on Twitter.

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