On Tuesday morning’s episode of The Morning Show on Arise TV, Minister of Works David Umahi and anchor Rufai Oseni engaged in a heated live exchange. The confrontation centred on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and questions about transparency, professional titles, and political reporting. 

The host, Rufai Oseni, challenged Umahi over his self-claimed title of “Professor of Engineering” and asked when he obtained that status. Oseni also accused the minister of reporting him to President Bola Tinubu during a commissioning event, claiming Umahi used that platform to criticize Oseni’s past questions about the highway’s cost and implementation. 

Umahi’s Reaction 

Umahi rejected the notion that he reported Oseni to the President, insisting that Oseni was “too small” for such a concern. He told the anchor to “keep quiet,” and defended his professorship claim based on his experience rather than academic awards. He also asserted that Oseni lacked understanding of engineering concepts, saying Oseni had no knowledge of what he had asked. 

Oseni held his ground. He countered by saying the public deserved answers and that questioning those in authority was part of his duty as a journalist. “Minister, it’s alright, keep dignifying yourself, and let the world know who you truly are,” he responded. 

Public reaction and implications

The exchange has stirred debate across social media. Many users praised Oseni for seeking accountability in public projects. Others criticized his tone, arguing that his manner of questioning provoked the conflict. Some commentators defended Umahi’s position, pointing to his engineering background and his frustration over what he saw as disrespect. 

Also, Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, announced he would boycott Arise TV until Rufai Oseni is removed, describing the anchor’s conduct during this interview as “arrogant.”