OBINNA UCHENDU Abakaliki
A youth group under the platform of OHANIVO Youth Forum, has called on the Management of Arise Television to without further delay ensure the sack of its presenter, Oseni Rufai for what they described as lack of prerequisite professional skills for the job.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, the group maintained that Rufai’s actions and approach to journalism fall short of the professional standards expected within the Nigerian media landscape,
The call for his sack followed a recent mutual outburst between Oseni and the Minister of works, Senator David Umahi during a Television interview session which went viral.
The group in a statement titled. ” Concerns over unprofessional conduct of Arise TV Staff Rufai Oseni: A call for Action”, read out by the group’s national President, Chimeebere Nwoye, said that such an attitude if allowed to fester was capable of eroding public trust in the media as a pillar of democracy.
Nwoye linked Rufai’s alleged embarrassing outing with the Minister to lack of professional skills, having allegedly studied Zoology and Animal Anatomy, stressing that such behavior, if left unchecked, was capable of tarnishing the reputation of Arise TV as a media organization and drag the respected journalism profession to the mud.
“We, the members of the OHANIVO Youth Forum, wish to draw the urgent attention of the public and especially the management of Arise Television to the conduct of one of its staff, Mr. Oseni Rufai.
“We believe his actions and approach to journalism fall short of the professional standards expected within the Nigerian media landscape.
“Mr. Oseni Rufai’s academic background is reportedly in Zoology and Animal Anatomy, and while we respect all fields of study, we believe every profession has its designated space of practice.
“His current role in journalism, without formal training or qualification in the field, raises questions about adherence to professional standards.
” Based on the forgoing, and in recognition of the reputation so far build in the Nigerian media space by ARISE TV, we suggest that Mr. Oseni Rufai be relieved of his duties as a journalist at Arise Media due to a lack of professional grounding in the field.
“Alternatively, he can be sent back to school to get grounded on the ethics and professional conduct required of a television presenter and journalist.
“That Mr Oseni Rufai be encouraged to pursue opportunities within his trained field, zoology, where he can contribute meaningfully and professionally to the development of our dear country, Nigeria rather than continue to remain an embarrassment to the media profession.
“That Arise Media reaffirm its commitment to upholding the ethics and codes of conduct as prescribed in guiding documents of Nigerian journalism.
“That all staff, especially those in the public eye, be reminded of the need to remain objective, respectful, and professional in their engagements with public figures and other guests in their programmes.
The OHANIVO National Youth President called on the management of Arise TV to as a matter of urgency releive Rufai of his appointment with the media organisation to save it from further embarrassment.
“As advocates for professionalism and ethical conduct, we find it necessary to highlight our concerns regarding Mr. Rufai’s continued presence as a media practitioner under your esteemed platform.
“Without equivocation, we as members of OHANIVO Youth Forum respectfully request that Arise Media takes immediate steps to address these concerns, failure of which may prompt broader action from concerned Nigerian youths and civil society organizations who are equally invested in promoting professionalism and accountability across all sectors”,.
