Senator Shehu Sani has pleaded with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Daily Trust Newspaper to forgive Femi Fani-Kayode since he has apologized.
The Union had, on Friday, boycotted his press conference which was bill to hold in Akwa Ibom State.
The boycott followed his verbal altercation with a the Cross River State Correspondent of Daily Trust during a press conference held in Calabar, the state capital.
Earlier, Fani-Kayode had written an apology to his ‘media friends’ and withdrawn the word “stupid” he used in the encounter with the journalist.
He wrote: “I met with my advisors till late last night and I wish to say the following.
“I hereby withdraw the word “stupid” which I used in my encounter with a journalist in Calabar.
“I have many friends in the media who I offended by losing my cool and using such words. I hereby express my regrets for doing so.”
He also stated categorically that no threat of physical harm was ever made to the journalist in question and did not send anyone to threaten him.
He added: “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 am also very close to many in that profession. I would be the last to seek to disparage those that are honorable and noble within its ranks.
“I hope that this will assuage the pain and anger of anyone that was hurt or offended by this ugly episode.”
Despite the appeal, however, journalists boycotted his press conference in Akwa Ibom.
He stated: “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 believe that my reaction was disproportionate and unduly harsh even though 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.
“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.”
Following the latest appeal, Senator Sani waded in on his Twitter handle, @ShehuSani, tweeted and pleaded:
Dear NUJ and Daily Trust, forgive FFK since he has apologized. Thank you.”
Another concerned citizen, in a memo made available to ElombahNews, noted.
“FFK is human and a courageous man . By coming out to issue real apology , shows that he is not fake!
“To air is human and to forgive is divine . He has done the needful . He deserves to be forgiven .
“We are not God almighty who has the sole power of vengeance !
“Our prayers is that this ugly incident dont happen again . Let sleeping dog lie . We match forward.”
