JUST IN: Nigeria Railway Corporation boss Opeifa bows to pressure over assault on Nigerian journalists
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has tendered an unreserved apology to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, following his alleged assault on a journalist during coverage of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment.
Opeifa rendered the apology on Sunday at a press conference held at the NUJ FCT secretariat in Abuja.
His public contrition came after the NUJ FCT strongly condemned what it described as the “unwholesome treatment” of journalists, particularly an NTA correspondent, Ladi Bala, who was reportedly harassed while covering the derailment. The union had demanded a formal apology from the NRC boss.
Speaking at the event, Opeifa admitted he lost his composure during the tense situation and acknowledged making inappropriate remarks.
“I wish to offer my apology for the regrettable remarks I made, which were not only directed at a seasoned journalist but also reflected unfavourably on the NUJ FCT and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ. Acting in the heat of the moment under pressure, and in my attempt to ensure safety, I made certain unkind statements. For this, I take full responsibility, and I am sorry,” he said.
In response, NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, urged journalists to remain calm, assuring that the union would continue to defend press freedom and professionalism.
The controversy stemmed from last Tuesday’s Abuja–Kaduna train derailment in Jere, which left six passengers injured but no fatalities, according to government officials.
