Youths in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, staged a protest on Friday, October 10, 2025, demanding a public apology from Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni for his handling of a recent interview with the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The protesters alleged that Oseni disrespected the minister by repeatedly pressing him to disclose the cost per kilometre of the Lagos–Calabar coastal road project during the live broadcast.
Minister Umahi reportedly described the line of questioning as “elementary” and asked to be allowed to speak.
The group, Concerned Youths for Senator Engineer David Umahi, issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Oseni and Arise TV to apologise, set to expire on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
Demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “Enough of Oseni bullying Engr. Umahi” and “Arise TV and Oseni are given 24 hours to apologise to Engr. Umahi”.
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The leader of the group, Pastor Damian Onu, described the interview as a “media ambush” and said it was an attempt to “insult” Umahi.
He commended the minister for his contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development, particularly in the Niger Delta.
The protest drew attention on social media, with reactions divided between support for the youths’ stance and calls for professional media conduct.
The outcome of the 24-hour ultimatum remains pending.