The Akwa-Ibom chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has directed its members to shun a press conference planned for former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode.
The former minister who arrived in Akwa-Ibom State on Thursday was received by Governor Udom Emmanuel to continue his tour of projects in the South-south region.
Fani-Kayode had lashed out angrily at a reporter, Eyo Charles, in Cross Rivers State after being asked who was bankrolling his tour.
The lawyer and politician had received harsh criticisms for his conduct and had responded, saying that the question wasn’t really a question but an insult.
In a statement released on Friday, August 28, 2020, the NUJ stated that its decision to boycott the former minister’s press conference is in line with the instruction from its national leadership.
The statement reads in part:
“Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has directed its members to boycott a press conference planned for Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation.
This came days after Fani-Kayode insulted a journalist for asking him what he described as a “stupid question” at a press conference after his tour of Cross River state.
In line with the disposition of the national leadership of our great Union, the State Council has directed that no journalist should attend a media parley with Femi Fani-Kayode or any of his activity at any location in Akwa Ibom State. The NUJ is not part of the visit.”
