Reuben Abati defends Tinubu’s poverty record on Arise TV as Ojy Okpe and Rufai Oseni question his remarks, sparking reactions online.
Reuben Abati, Ojy Okpe and Rufai Oseni exchanged sharp remarks during a discussion about President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to alleviate poverty.
Abati described claims that Tinubu had done nothing to reduce poverty as mischievous, prompting questions from his colleagues.
Nigerians on X debated the journalists’ political leanings, professional responsibilities and arguments about the government’s performance.
A discussion about President Bola Tinubu’s poverty alleviation efforts has sparked a heated exchange among Arise TV journalists Reuben Abati, Ojy Okpe and Rufai Oseni. The conversation, which has now generated many reactions on social media, centred on whether criticism of the president’s record accurately reflects his administration’s efforts to address poverty.
The exchange has also triggered a debate among Nigerians about media responsibility, political bias and accountability in journalism.
Reuben Abati Defends Tinubu’s Poverty Record
During the discussion, Abati pushed back against claims that Tinubu had done nothing to ease poverty in Nigeria, describing such assertions as misleading.
He insisted that dismissing the administration’s efforts entirely was unfair, setting the stage for a tense exchange with his colleagues.
“Saying President Tinubu has not done anything to alleviate poverty is not true, it is mischievous. Stop misinforming people.”
Ojy Okpe challenged the basis of his statement, asking: “Who is misinforming people? Did I miss anything?”
Rufai Oseni also questioned Abati’s remark, asking: “Who is misinforming people? Who are you talking to?”
Their responses brought the disagreement into focus, with questions about the evidence behind claims concerning Tinubu’s poverty alleviation record becoming central to the conversation.
Nigerians Debate the Journalists’ Positions
The exchange quickly attracted attention on X, where users shared different views about the journalists and their handling of political discussions.
Chibuzor Alexius Akubueze stressed the importance of accountability, writing: “Journalism isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about refusing to let bad arguments replace accountability. That’s the job!”
Another user, tEMItAYo, questioned the political neutrality of media personalities and organisations, arguing that journalists on the programme had different political leanings.
BekaShinenEzekieIJR also criticised Abati’s perceived closeness to the establishment while acknowledging respect for him as a journalist.
Meanwhile, Olori praised Rufai for directing the discussion to Sumner Sambo, suggesting that the move helped prevent another prolonged disagreement between Abati and his colleague.
Watch the full video here:
Reuben Abati: Saying President Tinubu has not done anything to alleviate poverty is not true, it is mischievous. Stop misinforming people.
Ojy Okpe: Who is misinforming people? Did I miss anything?
Rufai Oseni: Who is misinforming people? Who are you talking to? https://t.co/4laORBaniv
— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) October 26, 2026
Meanwhile, Newsflashngr has earlier reported that the Former Kaduna State Governor Malla. Nasir El-Rufai kissed and embraced his wife before entering the courtroom for his wiretapping trial in Abuja.
The affectionate moment attracted attention from lawyers and supporters, prompting emotional and humorous reactions from Nigerians online.
The incident happened as El-Rufai’s trial continued at the Federal High Court, with his defence scheduled to begin on November 25, 2026. El-Rufai Kisses Wife in Court as Trial Continues
Th Former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has sparked reactions online after a video showed him kissing his wife outside a courtroom in Abuja on Monday, October 26, 2026. The moment attracted attention as the former governor appeared in court for his ongoing trial over the alleged interception of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s phone calls.
Newsflashngr also reported that on October 26, El-Rufai embraced and kissed his wife before entering the Federal High Court in Abuja. Continue reading here.
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