The Sha’aya’u S-Pawa Foundation, a political group in Zamfara state, says it will give an award to Eyo Charles, the Daily Trust journalist insulted by Femi Fani-Kayode.
Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation, verbally assaulted Charles at a press conference in Calabar, Cross River capital, when the latter asked him if anyone was bankrolling his recent trips.
The former minister, who said he was offended by the question, described Charles as “very stupid”.
Following public backlash, Fani-Kayode apologised to the journalist.
The group, which described Charles as “resilient”, said it was impressed by how he handled the situation.
In a statement by Sha’aya Sarkin Fawa, its chairman, the group said the journalist “deserves strong respect and recognition”.
It added that “Fani-Kayode had earlier visited Zamfara and left on its tray some controversies that are still fresh in the memory of the people.”
“The good journalist posture displayed by Charles gives more hope and belief to Nigerians that we still have good media professionals in the country,” the statement read.
“As Nigerians, we strongly believe that if the former minister is truly the activist he claims, he should come out in the public domain and answer the question asked by Charles.
“We will organise a befitting ceremony to give this award very soon after we reach out to Charles.”
