Cross River NUJ asks media houses to withdraw correspondents from govt house over FFK’s outburst

The Cross River state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has blacklisted Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation, following his recent outburst against a journalist.

Fani-Kayode had insulted a journalist at a press conference after his tour of the 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 a press conference in Calabar, Cross River capital, Eyo Charles, a journalist with Daily Trust, had asked Fani-Kayode if anyone was bankrolling his trip.

But the former minister, who felt offended by the question, said described him as “very stupid”.

“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. Don’t judge me by your own standards,” he had said.

In a statement, the union described the incident as an abuse from an “unsteady mind”.

It said a ban has been placed on the reporting of the state government’s activities, adding that media organisations have been asked to withdraw their reporters from the government house.

“Congress condemns the verbal insult and abuse from FFK and noted that such words could only come out of the lips of a frustrated, immature, bankrupt, irresponsible and unsteady mind and accordingly blacklisted the former Minister of Aviation from all media activities in the State,” the union said in a statement.

“Congress further blacklists the Government of Cross River State from any media coverage by all members of Nigeria Union of Journalist in the State for organizing an illegal press conference thereby creating a platform for FFK to abuse and insult a journalist, Mr. Eyo Charles of the Daily Trust Newspaper.

“It mandated the State Council to immediately communicate in writing to all media organisations to withdraw their correspondents from Government House and stop them from covering or reporting any activity of the State Government until the issue is resolved.”

The union directed that warning letters should be issued to the journalists who attended the press conference and did nothing to protect their colleague during the verbal attack.

“Congress hereby resolve that henceforth all press briefings by any individual(s), public or private organizations must be held at the NUJ Press Centre, unless as maybe directed by the State Council,” the statement read.

“In line with NEC resolution on the proscription of beats, Congress directs the immediate proscription of the illegally operated Cross River State Government House Press Corps.

“Congress hereby thanks the National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Management of Daily Trust Newspaper, Civil Societies, Community Based and Faith-based Organisations, religious leaders, members of local and international organisations, groups and individuals for defending the truth.”