A coalition of media watchdog groups, including the League of Public Affairs Analysts and the South East Media Professionals Network has petitioned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), calling for swift action against Dr Rueben Abati and Arise TV for alleged unprofessional and divisive comments.
According to the media coalition, Abati allegedly made the divisive comments during the Arise TV Breakfast Show on November 21, 2024.
The petition, signed by Ambrose Igboke, highlighted concerns about remarks allegedly made by Abati, which perpetuated harmful stereotypes against the Igbo people of Nigeria.
These statements, the media coalition claimed, have been further amplified by extremist groups like Lagospidia, exacerbating ethnic tensions in an already delicate socio-political climate.
“Reinforcement of Harmful Stereotypes: Dr. Abati’s reference to the Igbo people in a broad, negative context risks inflaming ethnic tensions and promoting dangerous generalisations.
“This kind of action was what ignited the Rwandan genocide where the Hutu and Tutsi engaged in a fratricidal war of extermination. It all started with a radio broadcast.
“Amplification by Divisive Groups: His comments were quickly weaponised by groups known for anti-Igbo sentiments, fueling divisive narratives that undermine national unity.
“Unethical On-Air Conduct: Dr. Abati’s hostile response to a colleague, Ms. Ojy Okpe, on the following day’s broadcast, demonstrated a troubling disregard for professional journalistic standards.
“Violation of Broadcasting Code: The remarks and behaviour constitute a breach of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content that incites division or promotes hate speech,” the petition partly read.
The media coalition, therefore, made some requests in the petition to the NBC as follows:
“To investigate the broadcast of November 21, 2024 on Arise TV Breakfast Show by conducting a thorough review of the remarks by Dr. Abati and the editorial lapses that allowed such conduct to air.
“To hold Arise TV Accountable: Mandate a public apology from Arise TV and ensure improved editorial guidelines to prevent future incidents.
“To sanction Dr. Abati: requires a public apology from him and impose appropriate sanctions for his unprofessional behavior.
“To promote inter-ethnic harmony: encourage Arise TV to air programmes that foster unity and counteract the divisive narratives.
“To monitor extremist propaganda, collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent the misuse of broadcast platforms by extremist groups.”
The group said that in a nation as diverse as Nigeria, the media plays a critical role in fostering unity, adding that while open dialogue was essential in a democracy, it must be rooted in responsibility and respect.
