Rufai Oseni, Umahi, and the Limits of On-Air Passion: When Journalism Crosses into Confrontation


The recent exchange between Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, caught national attention—not only for its heated tone but also for what it reveals about the fine line between passionate journalism and on-air decorum.

During the live interview, the conversation quickly deteriorated into a verbal clash, with Umahi asking Oseni, “Who are you?” after the presenter’s questioning became combative. The video went viral, prompting mixed reactions: some hailed Oseni for “speaking truth to power,” while others faulted him for losing professional control.

The debate reignites an old question—is Rufai Oseni a journalist in the strict sense of the word? Oseni, who holds a degree in Animal Physiology, is better described as an On-Air Personality (OAP) or broadcaster, not a trained journalist. His role on Arise TV falls under the broader category of media presentation, not hard journalism.

That distinction matters. Journalism is a discipline grounded in ethics, fairness, verification, and balance. It is governed by professional codes—both local and international—that require journalists to probe with respect, question with restraint, and challenge without hostility. Broadcasters and OAPs, however, often operate within entertainment or commentary frameworks that prioritize style, emotion, or personality-driven engagement.

Yet, the modern media landscape blurs these boundaries. Many OAPs and commentators today function as de facto journalists—hosting current affairs shows, moderating political debates, and shaping public opinion. The difference is not merely academic; it carries professional and ethical weight.

For instance, Dr. Reuben Abati, Oseni’s co-anchor on Arise TV’s Morning Show, holds a Ph.D. in Theatre Arts and has a long, credible history in journalism, serving as a newspaper columnist and editorial board chairman before moving into broadcast commentary. His background gives him a deep understanding of journalistic ethics and balance, qualities that sometimes temper the emotional energy of his younger colleague.

The Umahi–Oseni confrontation was not just a personality clash; it also raises regulatory questions under the Nigeria Broadcasting Code—the rulebook guiding all broadcasters in the country.

The Code, enforced by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), clearly outlines the boundaries of professional conduct. Section 5.3.3 requires that presenters remain “professional, respectful, and avoid intemperate language or demeaning behavior.” Likewise, Section 5.2.1 insists that current affairs programs must be handled with “fairness, balance, and impartiality.”

These rules are not designed to shield public officials from scrutiny. Instead, they ensure that the public’s right to know is pursued within an environment of decorum and professionalism. Heated exchanges may make for viral clips, but they also risk breaching Section 3.1.2 of the Code, which prohibits any language or behavior that offends public decency.

The NBC has in fact sanctioned several stations—Channels TV, AIT, and Arise News among them—for similar lapses during live broadcasts. The principle is simple: the microphone is a public trust, not a personal weapon. Presenters are custodians of that trust and must guard it with self-discipline.

In the final analysis, Rufai Oseni’s fiery on-air exchanges may attract attention and even admiration from those who equate boldness with truth-telling. But journalism—and indeed broadcasting—demands more than passion. It demands poise, precision, and respect for professional boundaries.

A journalist’s power lies not in how loud he speaks, but in how credibly and ethically he communicates. For OAPs like Oseni, that means learning to combine energy with empathy, curiosity with courtesy, and confrontation with civility. The moment a journalist—or broadcaster—crosses that line, the message risks being lost to the noise.

In Nigeria’s media space today, we need voices that can hold power accountable without losing the discipline that defines true journalism. The NBC Code reminds us that journalism is a calling rooted in responsibility, not theatre for applause.


Editor

Ahmed Tijjani Abdulkadir is a seasoned media executive, journalist, teacher, entrepreneur, and public servant with over 35 years of distinguished experience in broadcasting, media regulation, public communication, and education. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Katsina State Radio and Television Service Board and holds several leadership positions in the private sector. He is the Chairman of Namowa MediaHub and Barau & Namowa Agro-Allied and General Services, as well as the Managing Director of Broadsphere Ventures Limited and Managing Director of FASAB Foods Nigeria Ltd. Mr. Abdulkadir holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Bayero University, Kano, and a Bachelor of Education (Language Arts) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also possesses professional qualifications in journalism and broadcasting from the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) Abuja, NTA Television College Jos, and The Thomson Foundation/British Council, and a Certificate in Digital Journalism (Reuters/Meta Journalism Project).

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post