Our Reporter, Abuja
Public affairs analyst and former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, has reacted to the heated exchange between Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, during Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show.
In a social media post titled “Oseni v. Umahi,” Amadi described the interview as a “terrible session” in which both men failed to show mutual respect.
According to him, while Oseni is “fiery, passionate and self-opinionated,” qualities that are not necessarily bad for a broadcast journalist, the minister exhibited “arrogance, pettiness and delusion,” which he said were unbecoming of a public officer.
“There is need for adjustment on both sides,” Amadi wrote.
“Oseni should remember that the journalist’s job is not to denounce or pronounce a person a fraud or a criminal, but to expose untruth, dishonesty, or incompetence through tough questioning.”
He advised the popular TV host to “temper passion with wisdom,” even when confronting public officials on air.
Turning to Umahi, Amadi reminded the minister that he is no longer the Governor of Ebonyi State and should therefore exercise more humility in public engagements.
“Minister Umahi needs to be reminded he is no longer the Governor of Ebonyi where he feels everything is under him. No, sir. Nothing is under you now,” Amadi stated.
“You are a public servant, an aide to the man people voted into power.”
He urged Umahi to comport himself better in future interviews, “make your best point, try and smile even when you are heckled,” and avoid the “look and body-float that come across like a poorly mixed dough.”
Amadi concluded by admitting his personal bias against what he termed “official pomposity,” saying he finds some satisfaction when “a little deflation” occurs, even if through “a wave of unprofessionalism.”
The exchange between Oseni and Umahi on Arise TV had sparked public debate on decorum, accountability, and professionalism in media interviews, with many Nigerians taking sides over the conduct of both men.
