Segun Showunmi, former spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar during the 2019 presidential election, has criticised the growing decline in professionalism within Nigeria’s broadcast media, calling for urgent intervention by regulatory bodies and the Ministry of Information.
In a strongly worded post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday night, titled “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: WHEN BROADCASTERS BECOME THE STORY”, Showunmi condemned what he described as a disturbing trend among television anchors who, in his view, prioritise provocation over ethical journalism.
“When television anchors abandon professionalism for provocation, it becomes the duty of the station’s management to call them to order,” he wrote. “But when that failure becomes routine, the National Broadcasting Commission must step in.”
Showunmi’s statement appears to be a direct response to a fiery on-air exchange between Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and Rufai Oseni, a presenter on Arise TV, during a live interview on the controversial Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
He warned that freedom of expression must not be mistaken for a licence to insult guests or engage in biased reporting. “Regulation is not repression; it is the defence of sanity and national interest. The time has come to draw the line,” he said.
“The supervising Ministry of Information must not remain a bystander while citizens invited in good faith are subjected to insult, rudeness, partisan aggression, and empty intellectual showmanship,” he added.
Showunmi insisted that while unfiltered commentary might be expected on independent podcasts or blogs, such conduct should not be tolerated on licensed national media platforms.
“What can be excused from a citizen’s podcast, we cannot and must not tolerate from a licensed national broadcaster,” he said.
“The madness must stop. #ARISEtv and its anchor, #ruffydfire (Rufai Oseni), have crossed too many lines. They cannot continue to constitute themselves into self-appointed prosecutors, judges, and enemies of the state under the guise of journalism.”
His comments have drawn strong backlash from civil society and media rights advocates. Notably, human rights activist Mahdi Shehu lashed out at Showunmi, accusing him of hypocrisy and seeking censorship.
“When they appoint you the DG of NBC, you can shut down Arise if you like,” Shehu retorted on X. “When sellouts sell all they have and the proceeds are shrinking, they will seek to look for another opportunity to restock and replenish. Such is the sad commentary of the recanting Segun. Good riddance to a stupid, stinking rubbish.”
The debate comes amid increasing tension between government officials and the press, particularly over questions surrounding major public infrastructure projects and accountability in governance. As the 2027 general elections approach, observers warn that press freedom and media ethics will remain a flashpoint in Nigeria’s democratic discourse.
