Victor EzejaIn a formal petition to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), a coalition of media watchdog groups, including the League of Public Affairs Analysts and South East Media Professionals Network, has called for prompt action against Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati over unprofessional remarks on the Arise TV Breakfast Show on 21 November 2024.
The coalition expressed concerns that the remarks made by Dr. Abati has reinforced harmful stereotypes against the Igbo ethnic group in the country.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement signed by the Chairman of League of Public Affairs Analysts, Enugu State chapter, Dr Ambrose Igboke, the group said the comment has been further “amplified by extremist groups like Lagospidia, exacerbating ethnic tensions in an already delicate socio-political climate.”
“Dr. Abati’s reference to the Igbo people in a broad, negative context risks inflaming ethnic tensions and promoting dangerous generalizations,” part of the petition read.
It warned that such kind of action and rhetorics was what sparked crisis in Rwanda that resulted in genocide as the “Hutu and Tutsi engaged in a fratricidal war of extermination. It all started with a radio broadcast,” the group observed.
The media group described Abati’s response to a colleague, Ms. Ojy Okpe, on the following day’s broadcast when the matter was raised, as “unethical on-air conduct”, adding that it “demonstrated a troubling disregard for professional journalistic standards.”
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It also pointed out that Abati’s comment and behaviour during the programme constitute a breach of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content that incites division or promotes hate speech.
In the petition, the group called on the National Broadcasting Commission to Conduct a thorough review of Dr. Abati’s remarks during the said broadcast and the editorial management that allowed such conduct to air.
It called on NBC to direct Arise TV to issue a public apology and a promise to ensure improved editorial guidelines to prevent future incidents. It also demanded that Abati should be sanctioned and tender a public apology for unprofessional conduct.
Other demands in the petition are that NBC should “Encourage Arise TV to air programs that foster unity and counteract the divisive narratives” ; monitor and ensure that broadcast platforms are not used for advancing extremist propaganda.
While calling for Responsible Journalism, the media professionals coalition highlighted the critical role of media in fostering unity in a diverse country like Nigeria.
“While open dialogue is essential in a democracy, it must be rooted in responsibility and respect. The petition underscores the urgent need for media practitioners to uphold ethical standards and avoid stoking divisions that threaten national cohesion,” it added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
