The Ondo State Government has labeled Arise TV’s recent comments as unguarded incendiary remarks, marking a continuation of the station’s prior scrutiny by the NBC. According to a statement from Yemi Ogundele, the Publicity Secretary of Ondo Arise For Change and Good Governance (ACGG), this is not the first instance of the NBC flagging the program for similar issues.
The regulatory body has expressed significant concern about what they perceive as “broadcasters analysing and commenting on issues without conducting proper fact-finding or investigations,” citing a lack of thorough fact-finding and investigative reporting in the program.
The statement emphasized that Arise Television has received a final warning from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) due to its repetitive use of derogatory and incendiary language in its broadcasts. This strict action by the regulatory body follows its scrutiny of Arise TV’s morning show program, hosted by Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni, and Ayo Mairo-Ese, which was singled out for containing unchecked incendiary remarks.
Yemi Ogundele, in particular, highlighted Reuben Abati’s recent claim that the people of Ondo State are being shortchanged, which has raised concerns. The NBC has raised questions regarding the foundation of Abati’s assertion and has requested specific evidence to substantiate his statements. They also pointed out several positive developments within Ondo State, including the construction of the inaugural flyover in the state capital, consistent salary disbursements, efficient operations of government agencies, the enactment of critical legislation, and measures to address the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
Consequently, the NBC has urged Abati to furnish a comprehensive account of how the residents of Ondo State may be disadvantaged and to distinguish whether his statements were founded on factual information or were driven by emotions influenced by external factors. The NBC underlines that, although no government can fulfill every requirement, there is no prevailing leadership crisis in the state.
Furthermore, Yemi Ogundele, the Publicity Secretary of ACGG, warns against individuals who may be manipulating Abati and his colleagues to shape a narrative that aligns with a hidden agenda. They stress that the people’s interests remain at the core of the Akeredolu administration, and no external influence should divert them from this belief.
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The Full Statement Below:
ARISE TV AND ITS DEROGATORY REMARKS
On October 6, 2023, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) issued a final warning to Arise Television regarding its use of derogatory and incendiary remarks on its station. In a letter signed by Dr. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, the Director General of NBC, the morning show programme hosted by Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni, and Ayo Maio-Ese was singled out for containing unguarded incendiary remarks.
It came as no surprise to witness the latest episode of unguarded incendiary remarks from the same station and the same program that had previously been flagged by the NBC. It is disheartening to see supposed “broadcasters” analysing and commenting on issues without conducting proper fact-finding or investigations. Such lazy journalism is both disappointing and unacceptable.
Reuben Abati’s assertion that the people of Ondo State are being shortchanged appears absurd and unjust. What are the reasons behind Abati’s conclusion that Ondo people are being shortchanged? What specific developmental gaps are in need of attention but have not received it from the government?
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Is Abati aware that the Akeredolu-led administration is currently constructing the first flyover in the state capital?
Is Abati aware that salaries are consistently paid on time in Ondo State?
Is Abati aware that Ministries, Agencies, and Parastatals are operating effectively in the Sunshine State?
Is Abati aware that the governor recently signed the LCDA bill into law?
Is he aware that the Akeredolu government is distributing palliatives to the people as a measure to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal?
Abati should provide an explanation of how the people of Ondo State are being shortchanged. Was he presenting facts or speaking out of emotion induced by external factors? What developmental issues are currently lacking, bearing in mind that no single government can address all needs? Is there indeed a leadership crisis in the state? Certainly not!
If Abati has been misled by the manipulative tactics of some cunning individuals, particularly a person whose words and expressions are primarily filled with deception, he must disentangle himself and check the reality. Anyone who whispers deceitful tales in your ear while presenting their case is dubious.
Abati and his cohorts cannot sit in their Lagos studio and shape a narrative that aligns with the agenda of this deceitful person. It is evident to us all that the people are at the core of the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration, and no outsider can convince us otherwise.
Signed:
Yemi Ogundele
Publicity Secretary,
Ondo Arise For Change and Good Governance (ACGG)
