NRC MD, Opeifa apologizes to Nigerian journalists

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, has tendered apology to the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory Chapter, over his assault on its member and a staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Ladi Bala.

Opeifa apologized at a press conference at the NUJ FCT secretariat in Abuja on Sunday.

He made the apology after NUJ FCT condemned the unwholesome treatment meted out to its members who were covering the recent Abuja-Kaduna train derailment incident.

The NUJ demanded a public apology from Opeifa over the incident.

In his apology on Sunday, Opeifa said he was carried away in the heat of the moment.

“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.”

Chairman of NUJ FCT, Grace Ike, had called for calm among journalists over the incident.

Recall that six passengers were injured after the Abuja-Kaduna rail derailed in Jere on Tuesday.