Gbenro Adesina
The former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, who has been condemned for attacking the Cross River State Correspondent of Daily Trust newspaper during a press conference, for wanting to know where he gets funds being used to monitor projects executed by the governments in the South has finally revealed the source of funds used for the project.
Fani-Kayode stated that he is responsible for the funds being used to monitor projects executed by the state governors.
He said that against the widely held opinion that he was being bankrolled by any governor that needed him to inspect projects executed, saying that he funds the inspection purely from his purse.
He said, “I felt deeply provoked by the fact that the reporter asserted that I was being bankrolled by somebody for something that I was funding entirely on my own”.
He, however, apologised for his arrogance to the Daily Trust Correspondent, whom he attacked in the cause of carrying out his legitimate duty.
According to a statement he issued, signed and addressed to the NUJ National President, Fani-Kayode said, “My recent verbal altercation with a member of your union, who is the Cross River State Correspondent of Daily Trust newspaper during a Press Conference I addressed in Calabar refers.
“I wish to convey my regrets to the reporter for my response to him and I also wish to express my regrets to the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and members of the Nigerian media, whom I hold in high esteem.
“I do hope that our relationship will continue as it has always been.
“Thanks for your understanding and be rest assured that I not only hold you, your union and your members in high esteem but that I also remain one of those that is committed to press freedom and free speech in our country.
“I consider myself to be a friend, a supporter and a strong ally of the Nigerian media and my hitherto excellent relationship with members of your organisation and your colleagues spanning over the last thirty years proves this to be the case. I wish you all the very best”.
