By Lukman Amusa
Mr. Tunji Asaju, a seasoned journalist and columnist has described Fani Kayode’s action a former Minister of Aviation,as an assault on the journalism profession.
In a post on his Facebook page, Asaju said: “I am disturbed and totally angry that a rabble-rouser, a lickspittle, an abysmally corrupt, inept and uncouth Femi Fani-Kayode would insult a journalist the way he just did and get away with it.
“I am totally angry that this idiot of no compare would exhibit his madness on a hapless journalist who was only holding him accountable to the ideals he wants to be credited with, but which he lacks both in character and comportment.
“But above all, I am totally disturbed, that colleagues who were present did not see this as an assault on their profession, on their own integrity and on their noble profession – they were nodding heads and apologising like agama lizards that they all are.
“I am disturbed that a TV station even uploaded it with a caption that FFK reacts to a rude journalist! I am shocked that this is happening in 2020. I mean, Donald Trump has done worse to journalists, but he has also received worse. No journalist worth his calling and training should be insulted like that by a fraud! FFK is a fraud! I say so!”
The question is of public interest
Also the executive director for media, policy and accountability Dr. Suleiman Sulieman and director media development Ibrahim said “The centre strongly believes that the question is in the public interest and is part of journalists’ role in holding power to account, a role enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Uba Yusuf In a statement by its Executive Director, Dr Suleiman A. Suleiman and Director of Media Development, Ibrahim Uba Yusuf, the organisation said, “The centre strongly believes that the question is in the public interest and is part of journalists’ role in holding power to account, a role enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Furthermore, the centre believes that the former minister has no right to assault any Nigerian citizen, let alone a journalist on constitutional duty on behalf of Nigerians.
“This public assault is a clear violation of the constitutional rights of journalists in the line of duty. This is unacceptable. Unfortunately, the Daily Trust reporter and other journalists present at the press briefing did not stand up for their rights.
“As an organization, we felt it is incumbent to advise journalists and media houses to give a total blackout to such characters who have no respect for journalists and their profession.
“We also urge the Nigerian Union of Journalists to intervene on this matter. Above all, the Centre for Media Policy and Accountability demands a written apology.”
The question stemmed from the fact that Fani-Kayode is not holding any public office either at the state or national level, but had of recent embarked on “official visits” to states to assess the performance of governors.
In the video which lasted for some minutes, Fani-Kayode called Mr Charles “stupid” saying “Don’t ever try that with me. I have a short fuse, I will hit you hard.”
The Management of Media Trust, publishers of the Daily Trust titles described the former minister’s response to its reporter as “reprehensible action” and called on the Nigeria Police Force to be on watch in the event something bad happened to Mr Charles.
In a statement on Tuesday, Media Trust’s Executive Director/Editor-in-Chief, Malam Naziru Mikailu, said: “We condemn the reprehensible actions of Femi Fani-Kayode, who in a video clip now gone viral, verbally assaulted – repeatedly – our reporter, Eyo Charles in the course of doing his job.
“The video clip also released on one of the ex-ministers social media accounts was conveniently edited to exclude the question asked by Charles, totally devoid of mischief, simply sought clarification and information, like good journalism, should. Said editing paved the way for a social media lynch mob to rain expletives on our reporter, labelling him as ‘rude’.
“This could not be further away from the truth, and we stand by Charles, and commend him for his calmness during the ordeal. Daily Trust reporters are responsible professionals, who uphold the tenets of journalism, as well as best practices,” he said.
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), SERAP and prominent personalities have expressed disgust over the former minister’s verbal attack on Mr Charles.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists- NUJ condemns the gangster-like outburst by Chief Femi Fani- Kayode against the Cross River State Correspondent of the Daily Trust Newspaper, Eyo Charles who asked him a simple question, which he felt was embarrassing,” Chris Isiguzo, the union’s national president said in a statement yesterday.
“In his reaction, Kayode assaulted the journalist and threatened him for daring to ask such a question. By denigrating the journalist, Fani- Kayode has exposed himself the more as an intolerant and unstable person who will not want his activities closely scrutinised by the media.
“It is instructive to remind the likes of Fani -Kayode that it is the constitutional right of Journalists to monitor and keep a check on people and institutions in power.
“By delving into politics and holding political office, Fani- Kayode is very conversant with the watchdog role of the media. For him to have embarked on assessment of projects in some states, even though we are yet to be told under what platform he is doing so, it is proper for the media to hold him to account for his actions and decisions.
“His reaction was totally unacceptable, dishonourable and reprehensible and we demand a retraction of his untoward, irritating and awkward utterances, which negate simple decorum and civility.
“We are more shocked that the same Kayode who had in recent times used his social media handles to call leaders to account is at the same time attacking a Journalist for a simple demand for him to unmask those behind his nationwide tour. He had already visited six states. This is indeed terribly disappointing,” the statement said.
