A youth coalition in Ebonyi State has petitioned the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Federal Ministry of Information, calling for sanctions against Arise News and one of its anchors, Mr. Rufai Oseni, over what they described as a disrespectful and unprofessional interview with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
The group, operating under the banner of Concerned Youths for Distinguished Senator Engineer David Umahi, staged a peaceful protest in Abakaliki on Thursday, accusing the journalist of breaching ethical standards during a recent live broadcast.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Arise TV and Rufai Oseni Must Apologize Now” and “NBC, BON Must Act Against Media Misconduct,” among others, the protesters demanded a public apology and regulatory action against both the station and the anchor.
“We are deeply disappointed by the conduct of Mr. Rufai Oseni during the interview with Senator Umahi,” said Pastor Damian Onu, the leader of the group.
“It was not only disrespectful but amounted to a media ambush of a serving federal minister and former governor," he further stated.
The group’s petition, submitted to relevant media regulatory bodies, calls for a review of the interview and disciplinary measures for what they termed a “breach of ethical journalism.” They insist that the tone and approach of the interview undermined the dignity of public office.
Onu described Senator Umahi as “a national asset” and a central figure in the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in the area of road infrastructure.
“Senator Umahi’s record speaks for itself. He has transformed infrastructure both at the state and national level and should be accorded the respect his office demands,” he said.
The protest followed a recent Arise TV interview in which Senator Umahi engaged in a heated exchange with Mr. Oseni, urging the anchor to allow him to speak.
The exchange sparked widespread reactions on social media, with divided opinions on the conduct of both parties.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Sunday Agbo, a former local government coordinator, said: “We are not against the media or press freedom. What we demand is professionalism. No journalist should attempt to tarnish the image of a public official who is delivering on his mandate.”
As of press time, neither Arise News nor Mr. Oseni had issued a formal response to the protest or the 24-hour ultimatum issued by the group.
The NBC and BON have also not released any official statements regarding the petition.
The group concluded by reaffirming their support for Senator Umahi and urged media practitioners to uphold ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
