The Editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji, has resigned from his position hours after the publication issued an apology to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila. Olatunji’s resignation comes after he spent 14 days in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Abuja over a report he wrote titled “How Gbajabiamila attempted to corner $30bn, 66 houses traced to Sabiu”.
In a statement, the First News Management admitted that the story contained “falsehoods and fabricated stories” and apologized to Gbajabiamila. However, Olatunji’s resignation letter hinted that he was unhappy with the apology and hoped that the truth would come out soon.
Olatunji cited safety concerns for himself and his family as the reason for his resignation. He also demanded that the management settle his outstanding salaries for the past year. In his resignation letter, he stated, “I want to state that in no distant time, the truth will come out and then it’ll be my word against theirs.”
The development raises questions about press freedom and the independence of the media in Nigeria. Olatunji’s resignation has sparked concerns about the safety of journalists and the ability of the media to hold those in power accountable.
