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.
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