Femi Fani-Kayode has responded to the statement released by Daily Trust newspapers following his clash with their journalist in Calabar state.
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As earlier reported by The Herald, Fani-Kayode had flared up before abruptly ending a press conference in Calabar, Cross River State last Thursday.
The ex-minister had organised the press conference as part of activities marking his tour of some Southern states.
A video of the incident circulating on Twitter shows the ex-minister pouring invective on the journalist for asking what he (Fani-Kayode) deemed a “stupid question”.
Following his outburst, Daily Trust released an official statement reacting to the viral video.
FFK responded to their statement, Read below:
“MY RESPONSE TO THE ASININE CLAIMS OF DAILY TRUST NEWSPAPER
“The Trust Newspaper, in their column titled, ‘FANI-KAYODE’S ATTACK ON DAILY TRUST REPORTER: OUR STAND’ has indulged in lies, deceit, double-standards and falsehood and written absolute crap. To put it mildly their claims are not only outrageous but also downright asinine.
The truth is that their reporter was sent to insult me, probably with their support and knowledge, and more likely than not he was paid to do it.
If it is true that he actually asked a question other than the insulting assertion that I attributed to him in my earlier statement they should produce the video clip of those questions.
There were over 30 journalists in the room and none of them can produce a clip of where he asked any questions.
He said only one thing and made only one assertion which was the following: “Well, we do not know who is bankrolling you”.
That is all he said and outside of that he said NOTHING. I challenge the Trust to come out with any evidence to the contrary.
As regards their claim that he was physically threatened, again it is a lie from the pit of hell. I told him that if he tried such a thing ever again I would tell him off even harder than I was doing at the time after which he apologised and the matter was closed.
Outside of that I bear him no malice. If anyone approached or threatened him after the press conference as he has claimed it had nothing to do with me or my staff.
I did not send anyone to do so and neither do I believe in or indulge in physical threats or violence. If any of my staff ever did such a thing I would sack him on the spot once I see the evidence.
Given all that I cannot be held responsible for the safety of this rude young man because I do not know what he does or who else he may have insulted, robbed, cheated or offended.
I do not know whether he is a thief, a murderer, a rogue, a dumpster, a Yahoo boy or one of those morally bankrupt and shameful men that sleeps with other peoples wives. I do not know who may be after him if anyone at all and neither do I care. His present or future travails, if any, have absolutely nothing to do with me.
I can only say that I do not wish him any ill and that as far as I am concerned this matter is closed. I reported him to his boss, who I have known for many years and respect, Alhaji Yusuf Kabir, and that was it.
As for the management of Daily Trust Newspaper and its editors you should bury your heads in shame. Not only are you a bunch of liars but you have no decency or self-respect. If you were human beings you would have first asked my side of the story before going to press.
This is especially so since I had already reported the matter to your publisher. To say that I pose a risk to any of your staff’s safety is not only laughable but also thoroughly irresponsible. I am a man of peace and I come in peace.
It would have been better for you if you asked your journalist who gave him the money to come and provoke and insult me.
Clearly he and those that sent him on this mission impossible got far more than they ever bargained for and I am more than happy with that.
I mean it from the bottom of my heart when I say may God judge you for your dirty lies. End of story”- FFK