Nigerian Women Demand Accountability After Harassment of Journalist by NRC Boss,Mr.Kayode Opeifa.

By Raymond Enoch

The Coalition of Women in Governance (CWIG) has issued a strong and unwavering condemnation of the actions of Mr. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), after he allegedly harassed and insulted Comrade Ladi Bala, the immediate past National President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ). In a statement signed by Chief Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, the spokesperson for the coalition, Nigerian women have called the incident a blatant attack on both press freedom and the dignity of women in leadership.

The statement underscores the deep outrage felt by the group over the disrespect shown towards Comrade Bala, who was simply doing her job as a journalist. The incident took place while Bala was covering the aftermath of the tragic Abuja-Kaduna rail line attack, a situation where professionalism and respect should have been paramount. Instead, Bala, a respected media figure and traditional titleholder, was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse and public humiliation by Opeifa, who is responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s railway operations.

“This deeply disrespectful behavior is an affront not only to Comrade Ladi Bala, but to all Nigerian women and girls who look to her as a symbol of integrity, courage, and leadership,” the statement reads. “We find it appalling that a high-ranking public official would resort to such low tactics to demean a distinguished journalist while she was fulfilling her professional responsibilities.”

Chief Ambassador Zainab Mohammed further emphasized that such conduct, especially from someone in a position of power, is unacceptable. “Mr. Opeifa’s actions reflect a gross abuse of power and an alarming disregard for press freedom and the rights of women. Nigerian women will not tolerate intimidation, disrespect, or the abuse of power—no matter the source. We stand with Comrade Ladi Bala, and we call on the government to hold those responsible accountable,” Mohammed declared in the statement.

The coalition has made it clear that the incident goes beyond one person and speaks to broader issues of harassment and sexism in public office. The CWIG is demanding that Opeifa issue a public and written apology to Comrade Ladi Bala for his actions, as well as a formal apology to the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for the harm done to the organization’s integrity. They also call for an apology to Nigerian women and girls for subjecting one of their most esteemed voices to such disgraceful behavior.

Further, the CWIG insists that Opeifa apologize directly to the President of Nigeria for tarnishing the image of the administration with his reckless and unbecoming conduct. The statement has also called for an immediate investigation into the incident to ensure accountability and prevent such behavior from going unpunished.

“The silence of those in power in the face of such misconduct would be tantamount to complicity,” the statement warns. “We cannot allow this to go unnoticed or unchecked. It is time to hold public officials accountable for their actions.”

The coalition’s demands reflect the growing frustration of Nigerian women and civil society groups who are determined to protect the integrity of women in journalism and public life. As the story unfolds, the pressure is mounting on both Opeifa and the Nigerian government to take swift and meaningful action.

Comrade Ladi Bala, a well-respected journalist and leader within the media community, has yet to publicly address the harassment, though her supporters have rallied behind her in full force. Nigerian women, leaders, and activists are united in their demand for justice, vowing not to allow this incident to pass without repercussions.

The CWIG’s statement is a stark reminder that the dignity and safety of women in Nigeria must be defended, and any attempt to silence women through intimidation and harassment will not be tolerated.

As the nation watches, one thing is clear: the fight for respect, equality, and accountability continues.