In a collective eeffort to uphold journalistic integrity and promote social cohesion, a coalition of prominent media watchdog organizations, including the League of Public Affairs Analysts and the South East Media Professionals Network, has formally submitted a petition to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
This petition calls for immediate action against Arise TV and its host, Dr. Reuben Abati, in response to highly problematic and divisive comments made during the Arise TV Breakfast Show on November 21, 2024.
The petition articulates significant concerns regarding Dr. Abati’s statements, which they believe propagate harmful stereotypes about the Igbo community.
The coalition highlights that such remarks have not only contributed to societal division but have also been magnified by extremist groups, notably Lagospidia, which may exacerbate already fragile ethnic relations in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
In the broadcast, Dr. Abati asserted that members of the Igbo ethnic group do not permit individuals from other ethnic backgrounds, even those related by marriage, to purchase land in Igbo territory. He referenced the late Minister of Information, TOS Benson, to bolster his claim, which has sparked outrage among many viewers and stakeholders in the media and society at large.
The organizations behind the petition express grave concern that Dr. Abati’s comments are likely to reinforce negative stereotypes and foster hostility among ethnic groups. They argue that such divisive rhetoric constitutes a form of unethical on-air conduct that could lead to increased tensions among Nigeria’s diverse population.
The petition requests the National Broadcasting Corporation to conduct an investigation into the broadcast of Dr Abati’s remarks and examine any editorial oversights that permitted such comments to be aired.
Additionally, the petition calls for Arise TV to take responsibility for the incident, issue a public apology, and enhance its editorial guidelines to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
It also called for a constructive approach towards Dr Abati, encouraging him to offer a public apology.
Furthermore, the petition highlights the importance of promoting inter-ethnic harmony through programs on Arise TV and seeks collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure that broadcast platforms are not misused by extremist groups.
“Dr. Abati’s reference to the Igbo people in a broad, negative context risks inflaming ethnic tensions and promoting dangerous generalizations. 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. His comments were quickly weaponized by groups known for anti-Igbo sentiments, fueling divisive narratives that undermine national unity. 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,” it read.
