‘You’re Guilty as Charged’: Rufai Oseni Replies Dabiri-Erewa Over Journalism Criticism

A disagreement has erupted between NiDCOM chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Arise Television’s The Morning Show co-host, Rufai Oseni, following accusations of irresponsible journalism and a dispute over a social media post involving Igbo people.

The exchange began after Dabiri-Erewa criticised the state of journalism during a panel session in Lagos on Saturday at an event marking Kike Abati’s 20th anniversary in the media industry.

During the discussion, Dabiri-Erewa accused some journalists of disregarding professional ethics, recounting an incident in which Oseni allegedly interpreted her reaction to a social media post as support for an offensive description of Igbo people.

She said the controversy stemmed from her use of a smiling emoji in response to a post by a social media user she identified as Stephanie, who allegedly ran an X account called “Voice of Igbos”.

Dabiri-Erewa claimed that Oseni later accused her of describing Igbo people as “monkeys and gorillas”.

“Somebody replies to her. Then I do a smiley. And then Rufai Oseni comes and says, Abike Dabiri calls everybody — Igbos — monkeys and gorillas,” she said.

She denied making the statement attributed to her and criticised journalists for allegedly spreading claims without taking adequate responsibility for their reporting.

“We have to ensure that you hold people responsible, but you must be responsible yourself. So we will not accept irresponsible journalism,” she said.

Dabiri-Erewa also expressed concern about what she viewed as the erosion of professional standards in the media.

“And let me tell you, some journalism is going to the dogs. There’s no journalism anymore. There are no standards. There are no values.”

Oseni Accuses Dabiri of Endorsing Offensive Post

In his response on X, Oseni accused Dabiri-Erewa of focusing on criticising him publicly instead of addressing matters relating to Nigerians living abroad.

“Abike Dabiri is more concerned about attacking Rufai Oseni in public instead of doing her job,” he wrote.

He also dismissed her explanation of the incident, maintaining that reacting with a laughing emoji to a post that denigrated an ethnic group could be interpreted as an endorsement.

“You are guilty as charged. How can you share a laughter emoji at a post that denigrates a tribal group? I put it to you, your laughter here was an endorsement of a denigrating tweet against a certain ethnic group,” he said.

Oseni subsequently challenged Dabiri-Erewa to a public debate, insisting that he was prepared to defend his claims.

“Your problem is you can’t stand the truth. I will like to challenge you to a debate on this issue where I will speak the truth to your face and prove to the world you endorse bigotry,” he wrote.

The journalist also urged the NiDCOM chairperson to concentrate on the commission’s responsibilities rather than continue their public disagreement.

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