Former Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has tendered an apology to the Daily Trust reporter he lashed at during a press conference in Calabar, Cross River state on August 20.
The reporter, Eyo Charles, had inquired from him who was funding all his trips to the Southern states he is currently touring. The former Minister felt insulted by the question and tongue-lashed the reporter.
Speaking at a press conference in the Akwa Ibom state government house on Friday August 28, Fani-Kayode said he disappointed himself and everyone with his outburst and hopes the reporter finds it in his heart to forgive him.
“I very much regret the Cross-River State incident, I let my anger becloud my better judgement. I deeply regret my actions on that day. My response was disproportionate and unacceptable, that is why I had to apologize to my family, friends and the Media world.
“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.
“No leader should ever be found wanting on such. I have reached out to the person in question and I am still reaching out to him again in love personally to say I deeply regret my actions towards him on that very day
“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.” he said.