Renowned journalist and co-presenter of the Arise Morning Show, Reuben Abati, has ignited a storm of controversy after making a statement about the Igbo people’s reluctance to sell land to outsiders. His comment, which labeled the Igbos as unaccommodating, has drawn widespread criticism and backlash from various quarters, with many accusing him of unfairly stereotyping an entire ethnic group based on a singular incident.
Abati’s remarks came during a recent segment on the popular morning program, where he stood by his controversial position despite the mounting criticism. When his colleague attempted to challenge him on air, Abati reacted aggressively, insisting that he would not retract his statement. He claimed that Nigerians were selectively hearing his words and that his stance on the matter remained unchanged.
In response to Abati’s comments, social media has been ablaze with reactions, with many users calling for a more nuanced understanding of the issue. One Twitter user wrote, “Stereotyping an entire ethnic group only deepens, divides and undermines the unity we need for progress. We must look beyond personal experiences or isolated incidents.”
Others, like Nwadike, pointed out that Abati’s statement overlooked key facts. “Reuben lacks hindsight and is blinded by bigotry. If he had thought critically, he would have realized that the largest mall in Enugu, Polo Park, was built by a Persians group, owned by Tayo Amusan,” he tweeted.
Honourable Henry Shield, another X user, also weighed in, saying, “As a journalist, there is no governor in the entire five Southeastern states who would have denied Reuben’s request for land. But instead, he chose to disparage an entire ethnic group. I pray he finds peace within himself for his own good.”
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Mr. Stanley Eboh further criticized Abati’s comment, declaring that it was “uninformed” and “rejected in its entirety.” However, some supporters of Abati argued that he was simply quoting someone else and standing by his experience. One user defended him by stating, “Good that he stood his ground. There was a context in which he spoke, quoting someone. He has experience, and that’s all. Unless, of course, you have selective hearing as he suggested.”
The uproar surrounding Abati’s comment highlights the level of ethnic division in Nigeria as many critics of Abati seem to be from the southeastern region while those in support from southwestern region. It shows the importance of choosing our word carefully, especially in journalism who consistently reaches millions of viewers and followers. With such a vast audience, journalists must be mindful of the power their words hold and the potential consequences of their statements.
As this controversy continues to unfold, the key lesson remains clear: communication, especially in the public sphere, should be handled with care and sensitivity to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes and divisions in society.
