The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, has tendered an apology to the Nigeria Union of Journalists over a recent altercation with a journalist.
Opeifa expressed regret for the incident, which involved the alleged harassment and verbal abuse of Ladi Bala, a journalist with the Nigerian Television Authority.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Opeifa emphasised his commitment to maintaining a positive relationship with the media and the NUJ, highlighting his past interactions and awards with the union.
He stated that he had taken steps to address the issue and would focus on his national assignment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
His words, “My position is not to address the issue because it involves the NUJ, an organisation I was once part of, fought with, fought for, and cherished.
“The FCT Council of the NUJ even gave me an award in the past.
“I am a friend of NUJ and other unions, and I have journalist friends across the country, including a former Minister of Information and Culture, among many others.
“The NUJ demanded an apology from me, and as a friend of the house, I apologise for what happened and take full responsibility,” he said.
Opeifa added that he would not “dissipate further energy” discussing the matter, stressing that his focus remained on his national assignment in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Yesterday at the Villa, I did what others thought I would not do — I publicly apologised to the NUJ.
“I have also been in touch with several media leaders who reached out to me.
“They asked for an apology, and I have given it. I am leaving the rest to God, mankind, and humanity.
“I want to remain focused on my assignment.”
Recall that on Friday, the FCT Council of the NUJ, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, demanded an apology, condemned the alleged harassment, intimidation, and verbal abuse meted out to Ladi Bala by Opeifa.
Bala, the Transport Correspondent with the Nigerian Television Authority, Abuja, is also the immediate past President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists.
She was reportedly assaulted on Wednesday while covering the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train
Such a simple yet powerful message. Thanks for this.