The Senior Special Assistant on New Media and Public Communication to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lere Olayinka, has criticised Arise News anchor, Rufai Oseni over his reaction to the recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission.
In a tweet posted on Sunday, April 19, 2026, Olayinka accused Oseni of reacting excessively to the commission’s warning to media practitioners to comply with established professional and ethical standards.
He questioned Oseni’s relevance within the Nigerian media space.
Olayinka also dismissed suggestions that the NBC could feel pressured by any individual journalist, stressing that the regulatory body remains the authority responsible for licensing television and radio stations across the country, including Arise News.
He argued that no single presenter holds the influence to unsettle such an institution.
“Like I have maintained, Rufai Oseni is one fellow who likes to overprice himself. If not, who is he that NBC that licensed all TV and Radio stations in Nigeria, including ARISE NEWS will be jittery because of him Journalism is a profession that is governed by rules and ethics. That is the reason we have the Nigerian Press Council and National Broadcasting Commission as regulatory authorities,” he wrote.
Olayinka maintained that journalism operates within a framework of rules and ethics, highlighting the roles of the NBC and the Nigerian Press Council as institutions established to enforce standards and ensure accountability in the media industry.
He further alleged that Oseni tends to overestimate his influence and importance.
Referencing remarks by veteran journalist Reuben Abati, Olayinka suggested that Oseni could benefit from formal journalism training, though he expressed doubt about the likelihood of such advice being taken.
The development comes amid increased scrutiny of Nigeria’s broadcast sector, following recent warnings by the NBC over declining professionalism, bias, and the spread of inflammatory content, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections……See More
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