The Cross Rivers state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalist NUJ has blacklisted the State Government (Cross River) from any media coverage by all members of union in the state.

This was in response to the attack on a Daily Trust journalist Eyo Charles by a former Aviation minister Femi Fani Kayode.

The former minister, while addressing a press conference in the state three days ago had verbally assaulted Mr Charles after the latter asked him how he was bank rolling his project inspection trips. The event which was captured on video and has gone viral saw Nigerians reacting in anger to the outburst of the former minister over a “harmless question”.

In reaction, NUJ regretted the illegal press conference thereby creating a platform for the assault.

It mandated the state council to immediately communicate in writing to all media organisations to withdraw their correspondents from Government House and stop them from covering or reporting any activity of the State Government until the issue is resolved.

“Congress hereby resolves that henceforth all press briefings by any individual (s), public or private organizations must be held at the NUJ Press Centre, unless as may be directed by the State Council’ the communiqué stated.

“In line with NEC resolution on the proscription of beats, Congress directs the immediate proscription of the illegally operated Cross River State Government House Press Corps. Congress hereby thanks the National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Management of Daily Trust Newspaper, Civil Societies, Community Based and Faith-based Organisations, religious leaders, members of local and international organisations, groups and individuals for defending the truth.”

“Sadly, the congress condemns the verbal insult and abuse from FFK and noted that such words could only come out of the lips of a frustrated, immature, bankrupt, irresponsible and unsteady mind and accordingly blacklisted the former Minister of Aviation from all media activities in the State” it stated.

Fani Kayode: NUJ blacklists C/River govt over assault on journalist

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