Joe Igbokwe, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), called the altercation between Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria Michael Freeman and ARISE Television journalist Rufai Oseni “unacceptable” and “completely unprofessional.”
According to reports, Rufai was seen cutting off the Israeli ambassador who was trying to refute his assertion during a heated exchange on the Arise TV Morning program in a video that went viral.
In the Freeman interview, Rufai stated that Israel cannot be blameless in the Middle East problem, citing what he described as Israel’s misdeeds in Gaza and other countries.
The diplomat, however, made an effort to refute the assertion, but Rufai stopped him.
“Wait a minute, let me finish,” Rufai said. Ambassador, don’t stop me. Allow me to complete.
Social media users’ reactions to the development have been conflicting; some have criticized the journalist for how he interacted with the guests on the live television program.
In response to the news, Igbokwe wrote on his Facebook page that Rufai is incredibly haughty and conceited.
Stressing that Rufai lacks journalistic training, the APC leader says he has requested that Arise Television’s management fire him.
He wrote, “Rufai is incredibly conceited and rude.” I have requested that he be removed by ARISE TV.
He is not a journalist by training. His disposition is completely unprofessional, inappropriate, and terrible.
