The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has tendered a public apology to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) following an incident in which a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) correspondent, Ladi Bala, was allegedly harassed while covering the aftermath of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment.
The FCT Council of the NUJ had earlier condemned the development, describing it as an attack on press freedom.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, the council demanded an unreserved apology from the NRC boss.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, Opeifa confirmed he had apologised in response to the NUJ’s demand, noting that his long-standing ties with the media guided his decision.
He said, “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 NUJ demanded an apology from me, and as a friend of the house, I apologise for what happened and take full responsibility.”
Opeifa further revealed that he extended the apology beyond the union’s demand, stating that he had made it openly at the Presidential Villa.
He further stated, “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.”
The NRC boss, who stated that he remained a friend of the press and labour unions, emphasised that the controversy would not divert his focus.
Opeifa added, “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.”
He added that his commitment was still firmly rooted in his national assignment in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, insisting, “I will not expend further energy on this matter.”
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