Journalists mobilize against Fani-Kayode in Akwa Ibom, agreed to boycott his event

Journalists mobilize against Fani-Kayode in Akwa Ibom, agreed to boycott his event

Journalists all over the world operate on Esprit de corps. This means a burden beared by a single Journalist should be made lighter by the participation and solidarity of all practitioners.

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has last week assaulted a Journalist in Calabar Cross River State for asking him who is bankrolling his tours to States in the country.

Kayode’s treatment of the Journalists was highly condemned by Nigerian and all Journalists all over the country.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ at the centre has long condemned Kayode’s action and has asked him to apologise to NUJ.

Femi Fani-Kayode popularly known as FFK has apologise as ordered by NUJ, but Journalists all over the country seems not to be satisfied with FFK apology, hence a Social Critic and Journalist in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Abasifreke Effiong has called on all Journalists in Akwa Ibom State to boycott FFK event in the State.

Effiong’s call for boycott is already gaining massive support from Journalists in Akwa Ibom State

The call for boycott sent 9news Nigeria editorial desk in Uyo reads:

Bocycott FFK’s events in Akwa Ibom state

Few days ago, Mr Femi Fansi Kayode, the former Minister of Aviation, verbal attacked a correspondent of Daily Trust newspapers in Cross River state, during a press conference to cap his guided tour of projects in Cross River state.

FFK’s attack on the journalist has been widely condemned by NUJ, and millions of right-thinking Nigerians. His action, to say the least, was the height of insult anyone has meted out on a journalist and a member of NUJ in Nigeria in recent times.

Barely 72 hours after the video of FFK’s attack on that Correspondent in Cross River surfaced on social media, photos have been served up on Facebook showing that the former minister is in Akwa Ibom state for the same purpose he was in Cross River State for. As much as the government of Akwa Ibom state has received him, I use this medium to call on the Akwa Ibom state leadership of NUJ led by Comrade Amos Etuk, the leadership of Correspondents’ chapel in Akwa Ibom state led by Idongesit Ashameri, and indeed all journalists in Akwa Ibom state to boycott all events in the State that will be convened by FFK or have him in attendance.

FFK has clearly shown that he does not respect journalists. The Daily Trust correspondent is not the only journalist FFK has abused, insulted and shouted at for asking him a question. On Thursday, Premium Times reported another case of verbal assault on a journalist by FFK. FFK may also come to Akwa Ibom well prepared to insult yet another journalist. Journalists in Akwa Ibom should protect themselves from this chronic abuser and other forms of abuse from weak -minded persons like FFK by boycotting activities lined up for his personal- interest-driven visit to our state.

We must stand up for one another and stand against persons and forces which are out to insult us. Journalism is a respected profession as other noble professions are; NUJ owes her members a duty to protect them from all forms of influence, harassment and intimidation.

Whatever action NUJ in Akwa Ibom state takes in relation to FFK’s visit to the state will go a long way to define our self-worth as professionals and shape the way other members of the public will deal with us going forward.

Boycott all events convened by FFK in the state and any events convened by the Akwa Ibom State Government with FFK in attendance.

An injury to one, is an injury to all.

Abasifreke Effiong
28/8/2020