A youth group, the Concern Nigerian Youths for Good Governance (CNYGG), has cautioned Arise News presenter, Mr. Rufai Oseni, against rhetoric that could deepen ethnic divisions in the country, following his public exchange with the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Convener, Amb. Mahmud Abubakar, the group called for responsible journalism and national unity, while expressing concern over the ongoing confrontation between the two public figures.
The group said while it recognises the important role of journalists in holding public officials accountable, the power of the media comes with profound responsibility to protect truth, promote mutual understanding, and preserve the unity of the country.
“While recognising the important role of journalists in holding public officials accountable, CNYGG reminds Mr. Rufai Oseni and other media professionals that the power of the media comes with a profound responsibility to protect the truth, promote mutual understanding, and preserve the unity of our country,” the statement said.
CNYGG noted that Nigeria is a diverse nation whose strength lies in the peaceful coexistence of its many ethnic, religious, and cultural communities, stressing that at a time when the country needs greater understanding and cooperation, public commentary on sensitive ethnic issues must be handled with utmost caution and fairness.
The group said it is particularly concerned that the continued exchange of accusations, especially where interpretations of social media reactions are involved, could inflame ethnic sentiments and create unnecessary tension among Nigerians if not properly contextualised.
“We therefore urge Mr. Rufai Oseni to exercise restraint in his public engagements and avoid language or interpretations that could unnecessarily aggravate ethnic sensitivities. Journalistic accountability must be grounded in facts, context, and fairness, rather than conclusions that may deepen divisions among citizens,” Abubakar said.
The group also noted the clarification by Hon. Dabiri-Erewa that one Stephanie Ifeoma, who used the anonymous name “Voice of Igbos” on X (formerly Twitter) and had consistently used abusive words against her and many others, cannot be representative of the South East zone.
While noting that, CNYGG encouraged both parties to resolve their differences through constructive dialogue and cautioned against allowing a disagreement between two prominent public figures to become a source of ethnic antagonism.
“We caution against allowing a disagreement between two prominent public figures to become a source of ethnic antagonism. No personal dispute, media confrontation, or political disagreement should be permitted to undermine the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians,” the statement added.
The organisation, which said it is committed to good governance, responsible citizenship and national development, called on journalists, public officials, political actors and social media users to place national unity above personal differences.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our diversity must remain a source of strength, not a weapon for division. We stand for responsible journalism, mutual respect, national cohesion, and one indivisible Nigeria,” it concluded.
