Abakaliki, Nigeria – October 11, 2025 – A brewing controversy in Ebonyi State has exposed rifts within the local community, as prominent indigenes in the diaspora publicly rejected a youth-led protest targeting Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni. The demonstration, which erupted in the state capital earlier this week, stems from Oseni’s heated on-air exchange with Minister of Works Dave Umahi—Ebonyi’s own political heavyweight—but voices from the Ebonyi community are swiftly distancing themselves, declaring, “They don’t represent us.”
The protest unfolded on Thursday in Abakaliki, where a group of self-proclaimed Ebonyi youths marched to the streets, brandishing placards and chanting demands for Oseni to apologize for what they called “disrespectful” conduct during the interview. The flashpoint? Oseni’s sharp retort telling Umahi to “keep quiet” amid a tense discussion on federal road projects and governance accountability. The youths, furious over the perceived slight to their “son of the soil,” issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Oseni and Arise TV, threatening escalated actions if unmet. Slogans like “Who is Rufai for God’s sake?” echoed through the rally, framing the anchor as an outsider overstepping boundaries.
However, the backlash was immediate and vocal from Ebonyi indigenes abroad. Ambassador Pascal Oluchukwu, a diaspora leader and vocal advocate for the state’s youth, issued a scathing statement disavowing the protesters. “They don’t represent us,” Oluchukwu declared, emphasizing that the group does not speak for the broader Ebonyi voice. In a detailed communique circulated on social media and local forums, he accused the demonstrators of being “manipulated” by political interests, urging genuine youths to prioritize accountability over blind loyalty. “We must resist any attempt to stifle constructive criticism,” Oluchukwu wrote, calling on the community to uphold journalistic integrity and public discourse.
The rift highlights deeper tensions in Ebonyi, where Umahi—a former governor turned federal minister—remains a polarizing figure. Supporters hail him as a development champion, crediting his tenure with infrastructure gains, while critics, including Oseni during the broadcast, have grilled him on project delays and alleged mismanagement. Oseni’s interview, aired on Arise TV’s flagship morning show, delved into the ministry’s handling of Nigeria’s crumbling road network, with Umahi defending his record amid pointed questions. The exchange escalated when Oseni interrupted the minister, prompting accusations of rudeness from Umahi’s camp.
Oluchukwu didn’t mince words in his appeal to Umahi, advising the minister to “comport himself with the dignity his current office demands.” He stressed responding to public inquiries “with facts and humility,” and warned against actions that “further damage the image of Ebonyi State and its people.” The statement has resonated widely, with diaspora groups and civil society echoing calls for unity over division. “This isn’t about tribe or loyalty—it’s about good governance,” one Ebonyi-based activist told reporters, declining to be named for fear of reprisal.
Arise TV has yet to issue an official response, but Oseni, known for his no-holds-barred style, has a history of sparking debates on national issues. The channel’s management previously defended similar confrontations as essential to robust journalism. Meanwhile, the protesting group, identifying as the Ebonyi State Youth Integrity Forum, doubled down on their demands via a viral video, insisting the apology is non-negotiable.
As the 24-hour clock ticks, the episode underscores Nigeria’s fragile media-political fault lines, where local pride clashes with calls for transparency. For Ebonyi indigenes, it’s a moment of reckoning: Will the state rally behind its minister, or embrace the scrutiny that could drive real change? With voices like Oluchukwu’s gaining traction, the latter may hold more sway than the street chants suggest.
Follow updates on this story via Arise TV (@ARISEtv) and Ebonyi diaspora networks for the latest developments.