A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has called on the management of Arise Television to sack one of its anchors, Rufai Oseni, following a heated exchange between the journalist and the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, during a live programme.
Igbokwe made the demand in a Facebook post on Friday while reacting to the controversial moment that occurred on the Arise TV morning show.
The incident has since stirred debate online, with many Nigerians expressing mixed reactions to the conduct of the television host.
During the programme, Rufai engaged the Israeli ambassador in a tense discussion on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
In the course of the conversation, the journalist argued that Israel cannot claim innocence in the conflict, referencing what he described as “atrocities” allegedly carried out in areas including Gaza.
As the discussion intensified, Ambassador Freeman attempted to respond to the claim. However, the television anchor interrupted him while trying to complete his argument.
“Hang on a minute, let me finish. Do not interrupt me, ambassador. Let me finish”, Rufai told the ambassador during the live broadcast.
The moment quickly gained attention on social media after clips of the exchange circulated online. While some viewers defended Rufai, arguing that he was simply trying to maintain order during the discussion, others criticised the manner in which he addressed the diplomat.
Reacting to the development, Igbokwe described the broadcaster’s conduct as unacceptable and unprofessional. He insisted that the station should take disciplinary action against the anchor.
“Rufai is Very rude and unbelievably arrogant. I have asked ARISE TV to remove him.
“He is not a trained journalist. His temperament is very bad, unacceptable and totally unprofessional”, the APC chieftain wrote.
The comments have further fueled discussions around professionalism in broadcast journalism and the manner in which television hosts engage guests during live interviews, especially when the issues involved are sensitive international matters.
As of the time of filing this report, Arise Television had not issued any official statement regarding the controversy or Igbokwe’s call for disciplinary action against the anchor.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
Afrophobia: Should Nigeria ask South African companies to leave?
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Monday Lines 2 Afrophobia: Should Nigeria ask South African companies to leave? By Lasisi Olagunju (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 6 July, 2026). Jacob Zuma was President of South Africa when he declared on October 21, 2013 that South Africa should not “think like Africans in Africa, generally.” The remark,…
-
Why I did not take Brazil’s penalty against Norway – Vinicius
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Brazil’s hopes of ending their long wait for World Cup glory came to a painful end after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to eliminate the five-time champions. The aftermath of the defeat was dominated by questions over why Vinicius Júnior did not…
-
Blatter questions ‘political power’ after Trump’s FIFA phone call
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Monday he questioned the football governing body’s decision to suspend US striker Folarin Balogun’s red card ban. Sources told AFP US President Donald Trump had called FIFA’s current chief Gianni Infantino to ask FIFA to review Balogun’s automatic one-game suspension. The 25-year-old is now…
