The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has publicly defended Arise News anchor, Rufai Oseni, following his on-air exchange with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a recent interview.
In a statement released in Abuja, AEISCID denounced a “faceless group” claiming to represent Concerned Youths for Distinguished Senator David Umahi, who reportedly demanded an apology from the journalist. The association described the protesters as “a scanty, dejected group that does not represent the true voice of Ebonyi youths.”
The statement, signed by Ambassador Pascal Oluchukwu, AEISCID President, urged genuine Ebonyi youths to avoid manipulation and reject attempts to silence the media. Oluchukwu emphasized that no individual or political figure should intimidate journalists for holding public officials accountable.
“The so-called protest against the Arise TV anchor was engineered by a few misguided individuals, many of whom are former political appointees or members of the disbanded Ebubeagu militia under Umahi’s administration,” the statement said.
“Their actions reflect the same intolerance and sycophancy that marked Umahi’s eight years as governor.”
The group praised Arise TV for upholding Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the press to hold government accountable. AEISCID said Oseni’s questions about the cost per kilometer of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway were legitimate inquiries into public expenditure and transparency.
“It’s unfortunate that instead of addressing key issues of governance, some individuals have chosen to attack the messenger,” AEISCID stated. “Press freedom must never be compromised in a democratic society.”
The organization also accused Umahi’s past administration of restricting journalists’ access to the Ebonyi Government House, noting that some reporters were harassed and assaulted for seeking accountability.
AEISCID called on Senator Umahi to exercise humility and transparency in his current role as Minister of Works. It also appealed to the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the general public to disregard the purported protest, which it said only aims to shield powerful figures from public scrutiny.
“Ebonyi people are known for their intelligence, integrity, and love for truth—not for propaganda or blind loyalty,” the statement added.
“AEISCID will continue to stand for justice, good governance, and the collective dignity of Ebonyi citizens worldwide.”
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