Following allegations of harassment of a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) correspondent, the Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has apologised to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The incident, which involved NTA Transport Correspondent and former President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ladi Bala, reportedly occurred on Wednesday while she was covering the aftermath of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment.
The FCT Council of the NUJ condemned the development in a statement signed by its Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, describing it as an attack on press freedom.
Opeifa confirmed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he had tendered an apology in response to the NUJ’s demand.
He stated that his decision was guided by his long-standing relationship with the media and his past involvement in union activities.
“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,” Opeifa said. “The NUJ demanded an apology from me, and as a friend of the house, I apologise for what happened and take full responsibility.”
NRC boss apologises for alleged intimidation of NTA reporter
He added that his commitment to the media community was longstanding, citing recognition he had previously received from the FCT NUJ Council.
“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 noted.
Opeifa also disclosed that he had rendered a public apology at the Presidential Villa.
“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,” he said.
The NRC chief maintained that his focus remained on his national assignment in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that he would not expend further energy on the matter.
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