13th October,2025

By David E. Monday
Developmental Journalist & Media Consultant, Kaduna

In a moment that calls for sober reflection rather than street theatre, I watched with growing concern the unfolding situation in Abakaliki, where a group of youths took to the streets to protest what they described as “disrespect” toward their son, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, by Arise TV’s seasoned anchor, Mr. Rufai Oseni. Even more disturbing is the 24-hour ultimatum issued by the protesters, demanding an apology from the journalist for doing nothing more than asking legitimate questions on national television.

Let me be absolutely clear, this is not only an affront to press freedom, but a dangerous signal that threatens the fragile pillars of our democracy.

We must ask ourselves, when did it become a crime to hold public office in Nigeria? When did the youth of this country become foot soldiers of intimidation rather than champions of accountability? When did we begin to view tough questions as disrespect instead of the civic duty of journalism?

Rufai Oseni, love him or hate him, has carved a niche for himself as one of the few voices in Nigerian media that remains unbought, unsilenced, and undeterred. His questioning of Minister Umahi whose works portfolio commands billions in taxpayer resources is not just justified, it is necessary. Nigeria is bleeding from the wounds of unaccountable leadership, and the media remains one of the last lines of defense against impunity.

A Dangerous Precedent

This protest, ill-advised and misdirected, sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden other groups to muzzle the media whenever their “own” is questioned. Today it is Rufai; tomorrow, it could be any journalist brave enough to ask why contracts are inflated, why roads remain death traps, or why funds disappear without trace.

We cannot allow democracy to be hijacked by sentiments or ethnic loyalty. The Fourth Estate of the Realm the press must remain sacred. If journalists are no longer allowed to ask questions, who then will speak for the millions whose voices are buried beneath the rubble of bad governance?

Call for Responsibility

Let it be on record that I, David E. Monday, a Developmental Journalist and Media Consultant based in Kaduna, demand a retraction and apology from the protesting youths. Their statement was not only reckless but posed a direct threat to the safety of a Nigerian journalist carrying out his constitutional mandate.

Let it also be on record that I call on Engr. Dave Umahi to publicly disassociate himself from this protest and reaffirm his respect for the media. Silence in the face of such brazen intimidation could be interpreted as consent.

If there is no skeleton in anybodys closet , then the Minister has no reason to feel threatened by any question posed to him in the public interest.

A Moment for the Presidency and the Media to Act

I urge the Presidency, the Ministry of Information, and all relevant security agencies to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves. Journalists must be protected, not persecuted. Media houses like Arise TV and others must be empowered, not endangered.

Likewise, I call on the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NUJ, and other media stakeholders to rise in defense of Rufai Oseni not just as an individual, but as a symbol of fearless journalism in a time when many have sold their pens for brown envelopes.

My conventional wisdom, Journalism Without Politics

Nigeria is at a turning point. We cannot afford to let the politics of the stomach undermine the sanctity of truth. Journalism without fear or favour is the only kind that serves the people. We must not allow a generation to be raised believing that asking questions is disrespectful especially being tactical, and that silence is safer than truth.

To the Ebonyi youths, your energy should be directed toward demanding roads that don’t kill, hospitals that save, schools that teach, and governance that works not shielding power from accountability.

This is a defining moment. Let the record show that wrong is wrong no matter who is involved. And if Nigeria must rise, the media must be allowed to speak.

davidmondayemmanuel7@gmail.com