By our reporter
There was tension in Ebonyi State on Thursday, October 10, 2025, as a group of protesters under the platform of “Concerned Youths for Distinguished Senator David Umahi” staged a peaceful demonstration in Abakaliki, the state capital. The group issued a 24-hour ultimatum to popular Arise TV journalist, Rufai Oseni, demanding a public apology over what they described as a disrespectful and unprofessional interview with Nigeria’s Minister of Works and former governor of the state, Senator David Umahi.
The protest attracted hundreds of young people who marched through major roads in the capital, displaying placards and chanting slogans in solidarity with the minister. They expressed outrage over Oseni’s manner of questioning during a recent live television interview, where he challenged the minister on issues related to the cost per kilometer of ongoing federal road projects.
The youths said Oseni’s tone and approach during the interview were not only confrontational but also deliberately aimed at embarrassing the minister, who they described as one of the most accomplished infrastructure minds in the country. They accused the Arise TV anchor of being unprofessional and biased, particularly against political figures from the Southeast region.
Speaking to journalists during the demonstration, the leader of the group, Comrade Ifeanyi Nworie, said the protest was organized to defend the integrity of Senator Umahi and to call attention to what he termed “a growing culture of media disrespect” for prominent leaders from the region. According to him, the people of Ebonyi State would not accept the public ridicule of their former governor, especially on national television.
He stated that the group had given Oseni and Arise TV a 24-hour window to issue a formal apology, failing which they would escalate the matter through legal and civil channels, including petitions to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and other media regulatory bodies.
Several speakers at the protest called on NBC and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) to review the conduct of journalists and TV presenters, especially when engaging with public officials. They argued that while the media has the right to hold leaders accountable, such must be done with decorum, professionalism, and respect.
The protest has since sparked national debate, especially on social media, where users are divided on the issue. While many supporters of Senator Umahi believe the interview crossed the line of professionalism and bordered on media hostility, others have defended Oseni, stating that he was doing his job as a journalist and merely asking tough but necessary questions.
Prominent political figure and APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe also reacted to the incident. In a social media post, he declared his decision to boycott Arise TV programs unless Rufai Oseni is removed from the station. He accused the presenter of constantly provoking and attacking government officials, particularly those from southern Nigeria.
However, others argue that the backlash against Oseni is politically motivated and aimed at silencing independent journalism. They insist that journalists must be allowed to question those in power without fear or intimidation from political supporters or interest groups.
As of the time of this report, neither Rufai Oseni nor Arise TV has made any official statement in response to the protest or the demands for an apology. It also remains unclear whether the NBC or other regulatory bodies will take up the matter.
Security personnel were seen monitoring the demonstration to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Although the protest was peaceful, it has heightened political tension in the state and further fueled national conversations about the role of the media, the limits of journalistic inquiry, and the expectations of public accountability in a democratic society.
