Segun Olatunji, the General Editor of First News, has submitted his resignation in the wake of the recent controversy surrounding the online newspaper’s report concerning Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
Olatunji’s decision to resign follows the management’s apology to Gbajabiamila over a report published on January 29, 2024.
During his tenure, Olatunji faced adversity as he was arrested and subjected to assault by personnel of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Recalling his harrowing experience, Olatunji revealed that he was initially confined to a cell where he was restrained with handcuffs on his hands and legs.
The ordeal escalated when armed men in military attire abducted Olatunji from his residence in the Iyana Odo area of Abule Egba, Lagos state, on March 15.
Addressing the press alongside leaders of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and International Press Institute (IPI), Olatunji described being in chains for approximately three days, enduring excruciating pain.
In his resignation letter dated May 8, 2024, and directed to the Publisher/Managing Director of First Media Network Limited, Olatunji cited the recent developments surrounding the Gbajabiamila story and the company’s stance as reasons for his resignation.
Expressing hope for vindication in the future, Olatunji emphasized the importance of settling his outstanding salaries owed by First Media Network Limited, acknowledging the opportunity he had to contribute to the company’s operations over the past four years.