Journalists and media stakeholders in Rivers State have been sharply divided over the ethical implications of broadcaster Segun Owolabi’s decision to serve as master of ceremonies (MC) at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt, with opposing sides debating whether his participation compromises the political neutrality expected of journalists.
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The controversy followed last Saturday’s APC campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, where President Bola Tinubu and other party leaders addressed supporters in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Key Highlights
- Broadcaster Segun Owolabi faces criticism for serving as MC at the APC presidential rally in Port Harcourt.
- Critics argue that his participation could undermine public confidence in his neutrality as a journalist.
- Media stakeholders, including Oraye St Franklin and BusinessDay Regional Editor Ignatius Chukwu, have defended his decision.
- Supporters of Owolabi maintain that accepting a professional engagement does not amount to endorsing a political party.
- The controversy has reignited debate over journalistic ethics, political neutrality and professional freedom in Nigeria.
Owolabi, a Port Harcourt-based broadcaster and Station Manager of Super FM, led proceedings as the compere at the political gathering.
He is an established personality in the Niger Delta media industry, having previously served as Station Manager at Silverbird 93.3 FM in Port Harcourt.
Known for his distinctive baritone voice and experience as an on-air personality, Owolabi’s participation at the rally has generated widespread reactions among journalists, media practitioners and political stakeholders.
While some have questioned the ethical implications of his involvement, others insist that he was simply performing a professional assignment for which he was engaged.
Critics Question Owolabi’s Journalistic Neutrality
One of those opposed to Owolabi’s participation, who identified himself as Certified Courtist, argued that the broadcaster should have considered the possible implications of publicly associating with a political party, particularly given his influential position in the media.
He questioned how Owolabi would maintain public confidence when interviewing opposition politicians and supporters after serving as the compere at an APC political rally.
According to him, journalists occupy strategic positions in society and must exercise caution in their professional engagements to avoid situations that could undermine their perceived independence.
He argued that Owolabi’s decision could affect how audiences interpret his political interviews and commentary, particularly during the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
“One thing I learnt the hard way is, never put yourself in harm’s way, no matter how good, genuine and germane your intentions are, especially when your actions are likely to be misconstrued,” he said.
Certified Courtist maintained that Owolabi’s participation had created questions about his neutrality in Rivers State’s political discourse.
He further suggested that the broadcaster could now be perceived by some members of the public as being aligned with the APC and the Rainbow Coalition.
Oraye St Franklin Defends Broadcaster
However, Oraye St Franklin disagreed with the criticism, describing the attacks against Owolabi as unfair and unnecessary.
He praised the broadcaster as one of the finest journalists of his generation, citing his professional training, talent and years of dedication to the media industry.
According to him, accepting a professional engagement at a political event does not automatically translate into support for the political party or its leadership.
“We must understand that one does not have to support a political party to discharge a professional responsibility to it. Our personal convictions and professional obligations are not always the same, and a mature society must recognise that distinction,” he argued.
St Franklin compared the situation to lawyers representing clients whose beliefs they may not share, maintaining that professional responsibilities should be distinguished from personal convictions.
He acknowledged that journalists have a responsibility to protect their independence and credibility but argued that their professional integrity should be assessed through their conduct rather than their association with people of different political affiliations.
He also expressed concern over what he described as an increasing tendency in Rivers State to subject professional engagements to political loyalty tests.
St Franklin questioned whether musicians, lawyers and other professionals should be expected to reject legitimate assignments simply because they disagree with the political affiliations of their clients or employers.
He insisted that Owolabi had earned his reputation through competence, discipline and years of professional service.
“Unless there is evidence that he has compromised his journalistic integrity, I see no justification for questioning his character over this engagement. I stand with Segun Owolabi,” he concluded.
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BusinessDay Regional Editor Also Backs Owolabi
Similarly, the Regional Editor of BusinessDay newspapers, Ignatius Chukwu, defended Owolabi, describing him as one of the most prominent radio and stage personalities in the Niger Delta.
Chukwu argued that the broadcaster was within his professional rights to accept paid engagements requiring his presenting skills and experience.
He maintained that serving as the compere at the APC rally should not automatically be interpreted as an endorsement of President Tinubu or the ruling party.
“Pastor Segun Owolabi is perhaps the biggest name and loudest voice on both radio and stage events in the Niger Delta. He is a general manager. A fellow On-Air Personality has just attacked him on professional grounds for compering the presidential rally in Port Harcourt,” Chukwu said.
He described Owolabi as a good ambassador of journalists in the Niger Delta and urged media practitioners in Port Harcourt to celebrate the achievements of locally established broadcasting talents.
Chukwu added that the region should take pride in producing media personalities capable of handling major national events rather than relying on presenters from other parts of the country.
Speaking from his position as a veteran journalist and elder in the Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he called for calm and an end to the controversy.
“I have to make this intervention in my recognised position as veteran, elder in the Rivers NUJ family, and Dede of Niger Delta Journalism. I can’t keep quiet on this matter. Let peace reign,” he said.
Debate Over Journalism and Political Engagement
The controversy surrounding Owolabi has brought renewed attention to the boundaries between professional engagements and the ethical responsibilities of journalists, particularly during politically sensitive periods.
While critics believe that publicly hosting a political party’s rally could create doubts about a journalist’s independence, supporters argue that professional service should not automatically be interpreted as political endorsement.
The debate is expected to remain relevant as journalists and media organisations prepare for increased political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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