Alleged Divisive Comments: Media Professionals Petition NBC, Call For Swift Action Against Reuben Abati, Arise TV Abuja

A coalition of media watchdog organizations, including the League of Public Affairs Analysts and South East Media Professionals Network has underlined the role of the Media in fostering unity, just as it emphasized the place of dialogue, responsibility and respect in a democracy.

In a Statement signed by the Chairman of League of Public Affairs Analysts, Enugu chapter, Ambrose Igboke, the Coalition urged media practitioners to uphold ethical standards and avoid stoking divisions that threaten national cohesion.

This clarion call comes on the heels of a Media Professionals’ Petition to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) demanding for Accountability on Reuben Abati and Arise TV, Abuja, Nigeria.

The Statement reads in part:

A coalition of media watchdog organizations, including the League of Public Affairs Analysts and South East Media Professionals Network, has submitted a formal petition to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) calling for swift action against Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati for unprofessional and divisive comments made during the Arise TV Breakfast Show on 21st November 2024.

The petition highlights serious concerns about remarks made by Dr. Abati, which perpetuated harmful stereotypes against the Igbo community. These statements have been further amplified by extremist groups like Lagospidia, exacerbating ethnic tensions in an already delicate sociopolitical climate.

Key Issues Raised:

1. Reinforcement of Harmful Stereotypes: 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.

2. Amplification by Divisive Groups: His comments were quickly weaponized by groups known for anti-Igbo sentiments, fueling divisive narratives that undermine national unity.

3. Unethical On-Air Conduct: 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.

4. Violation of Broadcasting Code: The remarks and behavior constitute a breach of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content that incites division or promotes hate speech.

Urgent Requests to NBC:

The petition calls on NBC to:

1. Investigate the Broadcast: Conduct a thorough review of Dr. Abati’s remarks and the editorial lapses that allowed such conduct to air.

2. Hold Arise TV Accountable: Mandate a public apology from Arise TV and ensure improved editorial guidelines to prevent future incidents.

3. Sanction Dr. Abati: Require a public apology from Dr. Abati and impose appropriate sanctions for his unprofessional behavior.

4. Promote Inter-Ethnic Harmony: Encourage Arise TV to air programs that foster unity and counteract the divisive narratives.

5. Monitor Extremist Propaganda: Collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent the misuse of broadcast platforms by extremist groups.