A coalition of media watchdog groups, including the League of Public Affairs Analysts and the South East Media Professionals Network has written a petition to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) calling for swift action against Dr Rueben Abati and Arise TV for alleged unprofessional and divisive comments.
The media coalition, including the League of Public Affairs Analysts and South-East Media Professionals Network, alleged that Abati made the divisive comments during the Arise TV Breakfast Show on 21 November, 2024.
The petition, signed by Ambrose Igboke, Ph.D, highlighted concerns about remarks allegedly made by Abati, which perpetuated harmful stereotypes against the Igbo Community.
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.
Among the key issues raised by the coalition of the media professionals were that Abati reinforced harmful stereotypes by referencing 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,” it was stated in the petition.
The media coalition, therefore, made some requests in the petition to the NBC as follows:
To investigate the broadcast of 21 November, 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 by mandating it to issue a public apology and also ensure improved editorial guidelines to prevent future incidents;
To demand a public apology from Abati and also impose appropriate sanctions for his alleged unprofessional behaviour;
To encourage Arise TV to promote inter-ethnic harmony by airing programmes that foster unity and counteract the divisive narratives.
To monitor extremist propaganda by collaborating with relevant authorities to prevent the misuse of broadcast platforms by extremist groups.
The coalition of media professionals called for responsible journalism, noting that the media plays a critical role in fostering unity.
“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,” the media coalition added in the petition to the NBC
