Live TV Showdown: Rufai Tells Bwala, “I Will Always Hold You Accountable

Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has reaffirmed his commitment to holding the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, accountable for his public statements and political positions, insisting that professional scrutiny should not be mistaken for personal animosity.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a post shared on his verified X account on Thursday, Oseni stressed that he has no personal issues with Bwala, whom he described as a “brother,” but maintained that journalists have a duty to question public officials regardless of their personal relationships.

Addressing the presidential aide directly, Oseni said his friendship with Bwala would not prevent him from scrutinising his comments and actions.

“Dear Bwala, you still remain my brother, but I will always hold you accountable. I have nothing against you,” he wrote.

The broadcaster also reminded Bwala that before joining the Tinubu administration, he had publicly commended Oseni’s style of journalism.

“You may say today that I thrive on hatred because I am holding you accountable, but don’t forget that you once defended my approach and described me as a formidable journalist,” he added.

Oseni further pointed to what he described as a significant shift in Bwala’s political stance, recalling that the presidential aide had previously appeared on his programme to criticise the All Progressives Congress (APC), the same party he now represents.

“The same journalist you accuse of being hateful today is the one whose platform you frequently used to criticise the APC you now speak for,” Oseni stated.

According to him, the key question is whether Bwala still believes in the positions he publicly expressed before becoming a spokesman for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“All we are asking is whether you still stand by the things you said then,” he wrote.

Oseni also referenced a previous interview in which Bwala allegedly questioned former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s reputation for modest living.

“In that interview, we gave you the opportunity to argue that Peter Obi’s image of frugality was exaggerated because you claimed to have seen him shopping. You made several assertions during that conversation. Do you still stand by those statements?” he asked.

Concluding his remarks, the journalist rejected claims that the media’s criticism of government officials was driven by hostility, insisting that journalists were simply carrying out their constitutional responsibility.

“The media does not hate you. It is simply doing its job by holding public officials accountable. Let’s all embrace accountability,” Oseni said.