Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has issued a public apology to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over allegations that a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reporter was harassed in Abuja.
The incident involved Ladi Bala, NTA’s Transport Correspondent and former President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and reportedly took place on Wednesday while she was reporting on the aftermath of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment.
The NUJ’s FCT Council condemned the incident in a statement released by its Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, labeling it an infringement on press freedom.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Opeifa confirmed that he had apologized in response to the NUJ’s request, citing his long-standing ties with the media and previous experience in union matters as the basis for his action.
“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.”
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.