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
-
FBI asks US court to keep records on Tinubu drug trafficking probe secret
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The Federal Bureau of Investigation has asked a US court for permission to submit a confidential declaration explaining why it is withholding some records relating to allegations linking President Bola Tinubu to a drug-trafficking investigation. The FBI made the request in an application dated August 20 before the United States District Court…
-
2027: Adeleke, others part of emerging Tinubu ‘Rainbow Coalition’ – Wike
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has hinted at the emergence of a broader national political coalition to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027. He discloses that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, belongs to the emerging alliance. Wike spoke yesterday in Abuja while inspecting ongoing projects in…
-
Nigerian-American Victoria Oluwakotanmi crowned Miss Grand USA 2026
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Nigerian-American beauty queen, Victoria Oluwakotanmi, has been named Miss Grand USA 2026, replacing Mekayla Li, whose title was withdrawn just over a week after she was crowned. The Miss Grand USA organisation announced Oluwakotanmi’s appointment in an official statement shared on social media on Friday, following the termination of Li’s reign. “With…
