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Arise Television’s morning show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has once again found himself at the center of public controversy. His recent interview with the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, has stirred widespread debate about his on-air style and professional conduct.
While some viewers have criticized Rufai for being confrontational or overly assertive with guests, many others see him as a rare and principled journalist one who asks hard questions and refuses to pamper public officials with soft, self-serving interviews. His past exchanges with APC stalwart Jesutega Onakpasa and Lere Olayinka, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the FCT Minister, further intensified calls from some quarters for his removal.
Yet, whether such calls are truly based on professional concerns or politically motivated remains debatable. The loudest voices demanding his replacement appear to come from individuals sharing the same political persuasion raising questions about the sincerity and objectivity of their criticism.
The most recent confrontation, with Dave Umahi, has generated the most noise. Some detractors even claimed Rufai asked the minister to “keep quiet,” a demonstrably false statement. A review of the video clearly shows that Rufai’s words paraphrased were polite and measured: “If you could keep quiet and hear me out, you will appreciate my viewpoint.”
From the onset, it was evident that Umahi came to the interview spoiling for a roforofo (mud-slinging) exchange. Rufai, as an anchor, has no duty to massage anyone’s ego. What the public expects are transparent, factual answers not bureaucratic half-truths designed to evade accountability.
Several questions remain legitimate and unanswered:
• What kind of contract remains subject to “presidential review” midway through execution?
• How could due diligence have been skipped before awarding such a monumental project?
• With the President’s directive that 100km of the coastal highway should pass through Edo State, does the total project length rise to 800km or remain 700km with adjustments?
A ₦15 trillion contract that continues to undergo soil tests and preliminary assessments long after award naturally raises red flags. Rufai’s insistence on interrogating these inconsistencies is not disrespect it is journalism doing its job.
There seems to be a deliberate attempt to intimidate or silence independent media voices. Rufai Oseni does not appear to me to belong to the class of “brown-envelope” journalists who seek handshakes or rewards after interviews. He represents a new generation of professionals determined to make truth, accountability, and transparency the centerpiece of public discourse.
I therefore stand firmly with Rufai Oseni on this issue and urge the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the management of Arise Television to continue supporting him as he discharges his duties with courage, fairness, and professional integrity.
