FFK cuts his braggadocio on journalist assault

By Yusuf Adua

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode has publicly withdrawn the unpalatable words which he used in an encounter with a journalist in Calabar.

The Daily Trust journalist who quized him in a press conference was uncharacteristically attacked by FFK when he asked him if there’s anyone sponsoring his tour around PDP_led states. This outburst hasn’t gone down well with well_meaning Nigerians and the international community as NUJ and SERAP are among other organizations that expressed their displeasure.

The lawyer, however, regretted doing so and reiterated his alliance with journalists who are diligent in carrying out their duty; “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 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”, FFK reemphasized”.

“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!” FFK said in a bid to pacify the grieved.