Paragraph 1: The Spark of Controversy
A media report ignited a firestorm by alleging that Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North) had accused former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi of sexual harassment during a Senate plenary session. The report, attributed to The Cable, claimed that Fasuyi brought up the accusation while discussing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. This report quickly spread, casting a shadow over Fayemi’s reputation and prompting a swift response from his team.
Paragraph 2: Fayemi’s Vehement Denial
Kayode Fayemi, through his media office, wasted no time in refuting the allegations. Ahmad Sajoh, head of the Fayemi Media Office, issued a strongly worded statement categorically denying the report. Sajoh emphasized that a review of the Senate plenary session revealed that Senator Fasuyi had made no such accusation of sexual harassment against Fayemi. The statement labeled the report as inaccurate and a gross misrepresentation of Fasuyi’s actual comments. It stressed Fayemi’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in public service and rejected any attempt to link him with such baseless and damaging allegations.
Paragraph 3: Clarifying Fasuyi’s Statement
Sajoh’s statement clarified the substance of Senator Fasuyi’s remarks during the plenary. According to the statement, Fasuyi referred to past instances where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had made false and defamatory claims against Fayemi during his tenure as Minister of Mines and Steel Development. These claims, Fasuyi stated, related specifically to matters concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company. This clarification aimed to set the record straight and distance Fayemi from the inflammatory sexual harassment allegation.
Paragraph 4: Underscoring Fayemi’s Integrity and Professionalism
Fayemi’s media office went further to emphasize that neither Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan nor anyone else had ever accused the former governor of any form of sexual misconduct. They highlighted Fayemi’s steadfast commitment to integrity throughout his public service career. The statement underscored that all past interactions between Fayemi and Akpoti-Uduaghan were strictly professional, and any disagreements stemmed solely from differing policy perspectives, not personal animosity. This served to further bolster Fayemi’s defense and portray him as a principled public servant.
Paragraph 5: A Call for Journalistic Responsibility
Sajoh used the opportunity to issue a broader call for responsible journalism. He urged media outlets to prioritize fact-checking and verification before publishing reports. He argued that sensationalism and the dissemination of misleading narratives not only tarnish reputations but also erode public trust in the media. This plea for adherence to ethical journalism underscored the potential damage caused by inaccurate reporting.
Paragraph 6: Distancing Fayemi from Senate Controversy
The statement concluded by emphasizing Fayemi’s desire to remain disentangled from the ongoing controversy within the Senate. It reiterated that his past engagements with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan were purely professional and policy-driven. This final point aimed to distance Fayemi from the political fray and reinforce his commitment to focusing on substantive issues rather than engaging in personal disputes.
