Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode popularly known as FFK has withdrawn the word “stupid” which he used when he lashed out at a journalist in Calabar for asking him if he was being bankrolled.
FFK took a tour to some states in the Southern region of the country. As part of his schedule, he had media briefings with some journalists in the state.
At the press conference in Calabar, a particular journalist, identified as Eyo Charles, asked him if he was being bankrolled by any politician or political group. FFK felt insulted by the question and lashed out at him.
The former minister has however taken to his twitter account to issue a statement, expressing his regrets for his action.
His statement reads,
“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.1/4
“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. 2/4
“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. I am also very close to many in that profession. I would be the last to seek to disparage those that are..3/4
“…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 another state today!
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.1/4
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) August 26, 2020
