A group of Ebonyi State indigenes in the Diaspora has distanced itself from a planned protest against Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni, following his on-air clash with Minister of Works, David Umahi.
In a statement released on Saturday and made available to Daily Post, Ambassador Pascal Oluchukwu, speaking on behalf of the concerned indigenes, condemned the planned demonstration, stressing that the group behind it does not represent the true voice or values of Ebonyi youths.
This development comes shortly after some self-identified “Ebonyi youths” threatened to stage a protest demanding an apology from Rufai over the altercation during a live broadcast.
Recall that Umahi and Oseni were involved in a heated exchange during a live interview on Arise TV, where the minister made dismissive remarks, telling the journalist to “keep quiet” and claiming he was “too small” to question him.
The incident quickly drew public attention and widespread commentary on press freedom and government accountability.
Reacting to the fallout, Oluchukwu said:
“The individuals planning a protest against Rufai Oseni do not reflect the will of Ebonyi youths or the true character of our people. Their actions are a throwback to the culture of sycophancy and intolerance that defined Umahi’s autocratic eight years in office.”
He called on young people from Ebonyi to resist being used as tools to intimidate journalists or silence media platforms committed to transparency.
“Real Ebonyi youths must focus on their future and reject manipulation. Attacking journalists only serves those who want to evade public scrutiny.”
Oluchukwu further urged public officials to act with accountability and humility, stating:
“Transparency demands that no leader, past or present, be treated as untouchable. We call on Senator Umahi to carry himself with the dignity befitting his role as Minister and to respond to public questions with facts, not arrogance.”
He appealed to Arise News, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the general public to disregard the so-called protest, which he described as an attempt to shield power from legitimate inquiry.
“Senator Umahi’s recent conduct risks further tarnishing the image of Ebonyi State. We urge him to rise above personal ego and engage with the media constructively, as is expected of a public servant.”
