Train Mishap: Apologise to journalists, NAWOJ, group tells NRC MD 

Train Mishap: Apologise to journalists, NAWOJ, group tells NRC MD 

The Coalition for Women in Governance (CWIG), a CSO, has urged Mr, Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director,  Nigerian Railway Corporation, to apologise to Nigerian journalists over his alleged disrespectful treatment of Ladi Bala.

Bala was allegedly verbally abused by Opeifa during her coverage of the derailed Abuja-Kaduna train.

Amb. Zaina Mohammed, the spokesperson of the group, said the apology should also not only go to Bala but Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

The demand is contained in a statement issued by Mohammed in Abuja on Saturday.

Bala is the immediate past president of NAWOJ.

She described Opeifa’s attitude as deeply disrespectful and unacceptable.

“We, on behalf of women and girls of Nigeria, strongly condemn the unacceptable and deeply disrespectful conduct of Mr. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation, towards Comrade Ladi Bala,” she said.

“It is disheartening and disgraceful that such a high-ranking public official would stoop so low as to insult and demean Comrade Ladi Bala while she was performing her professional duties.

“Comrade Ladi Bala is not only a distinguished media professional but also a respected traditional titleholder and a symbol of dignity for Nigerian women journalists nationwide,” she said.

She said there was gross abuse of power by many public office holders in the country.

According to Mohammed, the disregard for press freedom is troubling and an impediment to professional journalism

‘Such conduct has no place in any public institution and is an affront not only to Comrade Ladi Bala but to all Nigerian women and girls who look up to her as a role model of courage, integrity, and service,” she said.

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She, therefore, called on Opeifa to tender a public and written apology to Bala

“We demand that he as well as makes a formal apology to the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

“He should also apologise to Nigerian women and girls for the public embarrassment and assault on the dignity of one of our most esteemed voices.

“We also ask that he tenders a written apology to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for bringing the image of the administration into disrepute through such reckless and unbecoming behavior.

“We call on the relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure that accountability is upheld, as silence in the face of such misconduct is complicity,” Mohammed said.

She said that Nigerian women would not tolerate intimidation, disrespect or the abuse of power by any individual on power.