A group of youths in Ebonyi State has given Arise News presenter, Rufai Oseni 24 hours to issue a public apology to the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, following a television interview they described as disrespectful.
The protesters, operating under the banner of Concerned Youths for Distinguished Senator Engineer David Umahi, took to the streets of Abakaliki on Friday to express their displeasure over the broadcast, The Daily Times reports.
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The youths branded the interview as “insulting and unprofessional” and demanded that both Oseni and Arise News apologise to the Minister.
Carrying placards during the demonstration, the group accused Oseni of displaying “utter disrespect” towards Umahi during the live programme.
According to the protesters, the journalist’s tone and comments were designed to “embarrass and undermine” Umahi, who was Ebonyi State Governor and currently oversees major federal infrastructure initiatives as a Minister.
Pastor Damian Onu, who led the protest, told journalists:
“We are here today to register our disappointment over the manner in which our revered leader, Senator David Umahi, was treated on live television. Mr Oseni’s conduct was not only disrespectful but also bordered on media ambush. We demand an unreserved apology within 24 hours.”
Onu praised Umahi as a “national asset” and a key figure in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, highlighting the Minister’s achievements in road construction and infrastructure delivery.
Some of the placards carried by protesters read: “Senator Umahi is competent and trusted in civil engineering,” “Arise TV and Rufai Oseni must apologise now,” “NBC and BON must act against media misconduct,” and “Youths stand with Umahi: Architect of Nigeria’s road revolution.”
The group submitted petitions to the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and Federal Ministry of Information, calling for regulatory sanctions against Arise News and Oseni over what they termed “a breach of ethical journalism.”
“Journalism should inform and educate, not ridicule public officials on national television. We are not against free press, but professionalism must be maintained at all times,” Onu stated.
Comrade Sunday Agbo, former coordinator of Effium Development Centre in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, supported the group’s position.
“People like Rufai Oseni cannot tarnish the image of a man who has contributed so much to the progress of Nigeria. Senator Umahi is on a national mission,” Agbo said.
Neither Arise News nor Rufai Oseni had issued any response to the protest or the ultimatum at the time PrimeTell filed this report.
