NRC Boss Apologises to NUJ, Takes Responsibility for Altercation
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa, has tendered an apology to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) following a recent altercation with members of the press, a move that underscores the growing demand for accountability from public officials in Nigeria.
In a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja, Opeifa confirmed that he had “done the needful” in response to the NUJ’s call for an apology over the incident involving Ladi Bala, Transport Correspondent with the Nigerian Television Authority and immediate past president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists.
Bala was reportedly harassed while covering the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment on Wednesday. The NUJ’s FCT Council condemned the incident in a statement signed by its Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, demanding that the NRC boss offer an apology.
Responding, Opeifa said he had no hesitation in taking responsibility for the matter.
“The NUJ demanded an apology from me, and as a friend of the house, I apologise for what happened and take full responsibility,” he stated. He added that he had also made his apology public during an engagement at the Presidential Villa.
Opeifa stressed that his history as a unionist and rights advocate meant he valued his long-standing ties with journalists, noting that the NUJ had even honoured him with an award in the past.
“I am a friend of NUJ and other unions, and I have journalist friends across the country,” he said.
While the NRC boss expressed regret for the incident, he also made it clear that he would not dwell further on the matter, saying his focus remained on delivering on his assignment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
His swift response highlights a broader reality in Nigeria’s public space: office holders are under increasing scrutiny to uphold accountability, particularly when their actions affect press freedom and public trust.
Punch
