Ben Ezechime, Enugu
A Coalition of media watchdog organisations, including the League of Public Affairs Analysts and South-East Media Professionals Network, has petitioned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), calling for action against Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati for unprofessional and divisive comments made during the Arise TV Breakfast Show on 21st November 2024.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu and signed by Dr Ambrose Igboke, Chairman of Association of Public Affairs Analysts in Enugu State, the coalition stated that the comments by Abati was inciting and have raised serious concerns.
According to the statement: “The petition also highlights serious concerns about remarks made by Dr. Abati, which perpetuated harmful stereotypes against the Igbo people of Nigeria.
“These comments have been further amplified by extremist groups like Lagospidia, exacerbating ethnic tensions in an already delicate socio-political climate.”
Igboke further highlighted the issues raised by the petition to include: “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.”
The coalition recalled that this kind of action was what ignited the Rwandan genocide where the Hutu and Tutsi engaged in a fratricidal war of extermination saying it all started with a radio broadcast amplification by divisive groups.
“His comments were quickly weaponiised by groups known for anti-Igbo sentiments, fueling divisive narratives that undermine national unity.”
It described as “unethical on-air conduct,” Dr. Abati’s hostile response to a colleague, Ms. Ojy Okpe, on the following day’s broadcast, demonstrating a troubling disregard for professional journalistic standards.
The statement further stated: “The remarks and behavior constitute a breach of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content that incites division or promotes hate speech.”
“The coalition, through the petition called in the NBC to investigate the Broadcast: Conduct a thorough review of Dr. Abati’s remarks 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.
