The Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) in Cross River State has “blacklisted” the Cross River state government over insults directed on the Cross River State correspondent of Daily Trust Newspaper, Mr. Eyo Charles by former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.
Chief Fani-Kayode during a press conference in Calabar, the Cross River State capital felt offended by a question asked by Mr. Charles on who is bankrolling his tour and went ahead to insult the journalist, referring to him as “very stupid”
The union, which also “blacklisted” Mr Fani-Kayode, took the decision after an emergency congress on Thursday.
A communique issued after the union congress, said the press briefing where Mr Fani-Kayode attacked the Daily Trust reporter was an “illegal one” by the Cross River government.
The communique was signed by the NUJ Chairman in Cross River state, Victor Ndu; the State Secretary of NUJ, Oka Ibor; and the Chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee, Richard Ndome.
The union said it was sending a letter to media organisations, asking them to pull their reporters out of the Government House, Calabar, and also for them to stop covering the activities of the state government until “the issue is resolved”.
“Congress restates its total support for and stand with the Daily Trust correspondent, Eyo Charles on the question that resulted to the unprovoked outburst (from Fani-Kayode).
“Congress also directs the State Council to issue warning letters to members who attended the press conference and did not do anything to protect their colleague after which each of them is to individually write an apology letter through the State Council to the National Leadership of the Union with a firm promise never to violate the rules and regulations guiding the journalism practice.
“Congress hereby resolve that henceforth all press briefings by any individual(s), public or private organisations must be held at the NUJ Press Centre, unless as may be directed by the State Council,” the communique said.
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