Three Anchors, One Defiant Guest: Dr. Ruben Abati and Colleagues Attempt to Steer Felix Morka Toward Redemption, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

Felix Morka, the APC spokesperson, returned to Arise TV, this time facing a panel of three anchors: Dr. Ruben Abati and two female anchors. This appearance presented an opportunity for Morka to repair the damage caused by his previous controversial remarks. Instead of taking the chance to reflect, apologize, and address the issues raised by his previous statements, Morka chose to double down on his rhetoric, further deepening the controversy. The anchors, particularly Dr. Abati and the two female journalists, made every effort to guide him toward reconciliation and understanding, but Morka’s defiant posture prevented any real progress.

Dr. Abati, a seasoned journalist known for his level-headed approach, attempted to create an atmosphere of calm and reflection, hoping to gently nudge Morka toward acknowledging the harm caused by his words. The two female anchors, on the other hand, took a more nurturing approach, almost assuming a maternal role. They showed empathy and frustration, clearly hoping to open a space for Morka to acknowledge the human side of the conversation.

The Maternal Plea: 

One of the female anchors, sensing the urgency of the situation, directly addressed Morka with a plea that seemed to resonate with her understanding of the emotional toll his words had taken. I’m paraphrasing her words, she gently asked something like, “Please apologize, just try. At least acknowledge it for peace’s sake.” The phrasing of her request wasn’t aggressive, but rather soft and sincere, aimed at coaxing Morka into a moment of reflection. The anchor wasn’t demanding a grand confession, but rather an admission that he understood the harm his words had caused. It was a simple, human plea for peace and understanding.

The Poverty Under Tinubu’s APC Has Worsened: A Missed Opportunity for Healing

As the conversation reached a boiling point, the female anchor made a desperate attempt to refocus Morka’s attention on the devastating issue of poverty under Tinubu’s APC administration. I’m paraphrasing her statement, “The poverty under Tinubu’s APC has worsened… Please address both,” which was a heartfelt cry to consider the intricate web of suffering caused by his words and the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.

The anchor’s plea was not just a political maneuver, but a sincere appeal to Morka’s humanity, urging him to acknowledge the immense pain and hardship inflicted upon the Nigerian people. She encouraged him to adopt a more holistic perspective, recognizing that his statements and the economic situation were inextricably linked. By doing so, she hoped Morka would demonstrate empathy and take responsibility for the harm caused.

In a poignant moment, one of the female anchors urged Morka to rise above the toxic rhetoric, saying something like, “Let’s avoid attacking each other personally and focus on the issues at hand.” Another anchor approached Morka with a gentle yet firm tone, saying, “Why not extend an olive branch? Show us that you’re committed to healing and moving forward.” However, Morka’s response was deafening silence, as he callously disregarded their emotional appeals and continued to entrench himself in his defensive position.

Morka’s response was marked by a striking lack of self-awareness, as he launched into a defensive lecture on economic issues, completely disregarding the anchor’s emotional plea. His refusal to acknowledge the plea for a softer response or an apology not only dismissed the emotional weight of the conversation but also underscored his disconnection from the anchors’ attempts to engage him on a personal level.

The Anchors’ Frustration: Waiting, Looking, and Hoping for an Apology

As Morka’s defiance continued, the female anchors exchanged disheartened glances, their facial expressions conveying disappointment and incredulity. They silently implored Morka to recognize the moment as an opportunity to conclude the conversation on a positive note, to soften his stance, and offer a genuine apology. Yet, Morka remained resolute, oblivious to the anchors’ subtle cues.

The anchors’ expectant glances were not merely expressions of discomfort but unspoken appeals for Morka to contemplate the far-reaching consequences of his words. Each look was a gentle entreaty for Morka to consider the profound impact of his defiance, not only on the media storm it had generated but also on the deepening divisions within the public. As Morka persisted in his lecture, he failed to notice these subtle cues, leaving the anchors to wait in anticipation for a response that never came.

The Climactic Moment and End:

As the interview drew to a close, Dr. Abati intervened with a calm yet final statement, saying something almost like, “Alright, thank you for coming, goodbye.” The tone was polite but laced with an unmistakable sense of finality. The anchors, particularly the two female journalists, had exhausted their efforts to guide Morka toward a more conciliatory tone, but their endeavors had been in vain. Morka’s unyielding stance had left them with no choice but to concede the futility of continuing the dialogue.

Dr. Abati’s measured words served as a subtle yet clear acknowledgment that Morka’s refusal to apologize or reflect on the consequences of his words had reached a breaking point. It marked the end of any hope that Morka would address the hurt he had caused, and the anchors were left to accept the reality that their attempts to bring Morka to a place of accountability had ultimately failed.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is a Nigerian-American psychologist, educator, and author renowned for his expertise in cross-cultural psychology, forensic/clinical psychology, law enforcement/corrections psychology, legal psychology, public policy psychology, African-centered psychology, and social justice. He has authored numerous publications and presentations. His academic appointments include Assistant Professor of Psychology at Broward College, Associate Professor of Psychology at Nasarawa State University, and Contributing Adjunct Psychology Professor at Nova Southeastern University. With a significant role in introducing state-of-the-art forensic psychology to Nigeria through the National Universities Commission (N.U.C.) and Nasarawa State University, he also served as Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association.

Currently, he practices as a clinical and forensic psychologist and consults for various government entities in the United States. He also holds virtual faculty roles at Walden University and serves as Virtual Professor of Behavioural/Social Sciences, Leadership, and Management at ISCOM University and Weldios University. Notably, he is the founder of Psychoafricalysis theory in psychology, a groundbreaking contribution to the field.