I Disappointed Myself, Family and Friends — FFK apologises again
former minister of aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode has apologised to Eyo Charles, a Daily Trust reporter over his insults at a press conference.
The ex-minister, who began a tour of some states, especially those controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) states in July, visited Cross River last week.
At a press conference in Calabar, Cross River capital, Charles had asked Fani-Kayode if anyone was bankrolling his trip.
But the former minister, who felt offended by the question, described him as “very stupid”.
“I could see from your face before you got here, how stupid you are. Don’t ever talk to me like that. Who do you think you’re talking to. Bankroll who? You think I am one of those ones you… from who, when, how? You have a small mind, a very small mind,” he had said.
His comments had generated a backlash, with at least two chapters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) boycotting his activities.
The ex-minister had initially refused to apologoise to Charles, saying his apology was for his “friends in the media”.
But speaking at a press conference at government house, Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom, on Friday, Fani-Kayode said he disappointed himself and everyone.
“I’m deeply sorry for the manner I reacted to the said reporter. I was too hard on him. The question was mischievous, but I fell for it,” he said.
“I should have been smarter than that. I am using this opportunity to reach out to him, and I hope he will be kind enough to forgive me. I disappointed myself, my family and friends, my colleagues and even my bosses, those who hold me in high esteem.
“I have regrets, it was not my finest day. No leader or public figure should ever react like that. I disappointed myself. I deeply regret it and I believe it will never happen again.”
Medicine after death.
Femi Fanikayode I am glad you eventually realised that leaders must lead by example, and that respect begets respect.
Only a good leader would feel the need to apologise on reflection of an unwarranted reaction to any question.
Your promt apology speaks volume of who you truly are. This is what I expect of our Prime Mnister, Mayor or MP in the United Kingdom. Most Politicians in Nigeria would not consider offering an apology, and I hope that you have
re-earned people’s respect.
Hopefully you would give aforethought to your actions in future to avoid another national backlash.
I hope that everyone accepts your apology as I can see that it is indeed sincere.
I however suggest that you personally offer an unreserved apology to the journalist who was ridiculed on national TV in order to draw a line beneath this saga.
I do not believe that it is in human nature to stay angry for long, and hopefully the journalist would accept your apology.
By your own admissions you have a short fuse, I suggest that you go online and attempt a free anger management course. This will help manage and control your anger.
Most Nigerians would feel ridiculed by my my suggestion, but you are not a typical Nigerian , because you are not ashamed to take responsibility and offer an apology when necessary.
It is essential to be humble as it can be rewarding.
Good luck.
Seriously this is one of a kind leader to emulate. I am so happy for him and his actions. He is the type of person that will not hide his feelings and ready to take responsibility of his actions. I hope the journalist involved will humbly accept the honest and sincere apology from a gentleman who has demonstrated a good leadership moral.
Best regards. Ayo. Akintimehin
Kudos to the NUJ for the support giving to their colleague by boycotting the 2 next press conferences after this ugly incident. I’m sure this is what forced “our man” to apologize to the “said reporter”. Though he was still smart with his apology. I think Nigerians will learn from this by working together, speak with one voice to fight the bunch of inconsiderate and selfish leaders.
“…hope the no u r a liar will humbly accept… (blah blah..) “. What patronising language is that? This attitude is akin to FFK’s unwarranted outrage against that poor journalist who was merely doing his work as ethically as he could. Urs equally demonstrates an abject and absolute disdain for those u arrogate to yourself as inferiors.
Pooh!