Welcome

Tag: Rufai Oseni

  • Umahi Defends Remi Tinubu, Says ‘My Mother Sold Akara, My Father Was a Farmer’

    Minister of Works David Umahi has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over criticism of her recent remarks encouraging Nigerians to embrace vocational skills and small-scale businesses, saying her advice was genuine and should not be ridiculed.

    Speaking at a public event, Umahi said every Nigerian must develop a strong work ethic, adding that not everyone can pursue the same profession.

    ‘My mother sold akara’

    The minister recalled his upbringing, saying his family earned a living through farming and petty trading before he rose to public office.

    “My mother was selling akara. My mother was a farmer. My father was a farmer. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that having used that to train me, I will continue to farm at their scale or continue to sell akara at their scale,” he said.

    He urged Nigerians not to dismiss practical advice simply because it involves humble beginnings.

    Supports First Lady’s message

    Umahi said the First Lady was encouraging young people to become productive rather than remain unemployed.

    “When our First Lady, our Mother of the Nation, was trying to encourage the youths, we must change our work attitude. Everybody must be working. Everybody must have something to do,” he said.

    He added that developing practical skills remains important for national development.

    “Why do we make joke of every genuine advice? Will everybody be a banker at the same time? So, let us be serious, for once,” he added.

    Responds to Lagos flooding claims

    The minister also rejected claims that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contributed to the recent flooding experienced in parts of Lagos.

    Responding to comments by Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni, Umahi said infrastructure experts should be allowed to address technical issues.

    “Leave this profession for us. We, the professors of infrastructure, leave it for us,” he said.

  • Rufai Oseni Cries Out Over Killing Of Oyo Teachers, Says Nigeria Is Losing Respect For Education

    Media personality and broadcaster, Rufai Oseni, has condemned the reported killing of teachers abducted during the recent school attacks in Oyo State, describing the development as a dangerous reflection of how little value is now placed on education and teachers in Nigeria.

    The broadcaster reacted amid growing outrage over the abduction of students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    Rufai Oseni Condemns Silence Over Teachers’ Killing

    Speaking  on the incident, Rufai Oseni expressed concern over what he described as the silence and lack of national outrage following the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers.

    According to him, teachers remain critical to the growth and future of every society and should never become victims of violence without public resistance and demands for justice.

    “Teachers were beheaded in Oyo State and we’re quiet about it. Do you know the role of a teacher in the life of a country? There’s nothing a country can become without a teacher,” he said.

    He further lamented that the country appeared to be losing its sense of urgency and empathy whenever educators become victims of insecurity.

    “But we have become a country where teachers are beheaded and we are quiet. A country that does not cry and seek justice,” he added.

    Attack On Oyo Schools Sparks Nationwide Concern

    The comments follow the recent attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly abducted dozens of pupils, students and teachers.

    Reports later emerged that one of the abducted teachers, identified as Mr Michael Oyedokun, was allegedly killed while in captivity.

    The incident has triggered protests among teachers in Ogbomoso and renewed conversations about insecurity in schools across Nigeria.

    Calls For Justice And Protection

    Rufai Oseni stressed that the killing of teachers should concern every Nigerian, noting that educators shape generations and contribute directly to national development.

    “That teacher could have been your brother, your sister, or your everything. Just imagine how a person that loved that teacher the most would feel,” he said.

    The Oyo State government and security agencies have continued rescue efforts for the remaining abducted victims, while residents and education stakeholders demand stronger security measures for schools.

  • Rufai Oseni Questions Jonathan’s Capacity Amid Fresh 2027 Presidential Calls

    Veteran broadcaster Rufai Oseni has questioned whether former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan still has the capacity to revive Nigeria’s struggling economy amid renewed calls for his possible return to power ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Speaking during a viral edition of his QuickTakes programme on Arise TV, Rufai said Jonathan has every constitutional right to contest again, but insisted Nigerians must honestly assess whether the former president can handle the country’s current economic realities.

    Rufai Questions Jonathan’s Readiness

    “Dear President Jonathan, do you really, really think you have what it takes to be able to revamp the ailing economy?” Rufai asked during the broadcast.

    The media personality noted that many of the same political actors now urging Jonathan to contest were among those who strongly criticised his administration before the 2015 election.

    He questioned why the former president was once seen as unfit to lead Nigeria, but is now being projected by some groups as a possible solution to the nation’s problems.

    “But the question is, for those that have touted Jonathan to run, these were the same people that said a lot of things about him in 2015,” he said.

    Peter Obi Mentioned in Political Speculations

    Rufai also referenced political speculations suggesting Jonathan’s possible return could affect the support base of Labour Party figure Peter Obi if he eventually joins the presidential race.

    According to the broadcaster, some political observers believe influential figures may be considering Jonathan as a strategy to divide Obi’s supporters because of the former president’s popularity among many Nigerians.

    Concerns Over Economy and Governance

    The journalist went further to highlight Nigeria’s worsening economic and social conditions, including forex instability, rising poverty, corruption, and challenges within the oil sector.

    He stressed that the country currently needs energetic leadership capable of tackling multiple national crises at the same time.

    “An economy that over 63% of people live in abject poverty. An economy that needs a lot of vigour. An economy that needs to fight corruption,” Rufai stated.

    He also mentioned lingering issues surrounding Nigeria’s refineries and ongoing efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to rehabilitate them.

    Legal Questions May Surface

    Rufai additionally pointed to recent court rulings concerning eligibility for individuals who have previously taken the presidential oath twice, suggesting legal debates may also emerge if Jonathan eventually decides to contest.

    Ending his remarks, the broadcaster directly addressed the former president, saying: “Good luck, Ebele Jonathan. You’ve always had luck following you. Mr President, can you do it?”

  • Rufai Oseni Raises Alarm Over Justice Crack Arrest, Questions Military Action

    Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni has reacted strongly to the reported arrest of content creator Justice Crack, questioning the Nigerian military’s justification and the manner of his detention.

    The incident follows a viral video in which Justice Crack raised concerns about the welfare of Nigerian soldiers.

    Rufai questions basis of arrest

    Speaking on the development, Rufai challenged the allegations against the content creator, particularly claims that the information he shared was false.

    He argued that the issues highlighted are already widely known, even among military personnel.

    “What exactly did he say that many military personnel themselves are not already complaining about?” he asked.

    “He was picked up against his will”

    Rufai also criticised how the arrest was reportedly carried out, describing it as forceful and lacking due process.

    According to him, Justice Crack was taken into custody against his will, raising concerns about the legality of the action.

    “He was picked up against his will… he was practically kidnapped until people started speaking up,” he said.

    Concerns over free expression

    The journalist further warned that such incidents could have wider implications for freedom of expression in the country.

    He suggested that individuals who speak on sensitive national issues could become vulnerable if due process is not followed.

    “I am speaking up today because it can happen to anyone,” he added.

    Debate grows over accountability

    The development has since triggered conversations online, with many Nigerians debating the balance between national security and the right to speak out.

    While some support the need for caution around sensitive information, others argue that concerns about soldiers’ welfare should not attract punitive measures.

  • Rufai Oseni Alleges Moves to Block Peter Obi Ahead of 2027 Elections

    Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni has alleged that there may be political efforts aimed at preventing Peter Obi from contesting in the 2027 presidential election.

    He made the claim while commenting on recent political developments involving opposition figures.

    Oseni claims strategy to limit Obi

    Speaking during a discussion, Oseni suggested that Obi remains one of the strongest opposition figures capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu.

    He argued that attempts could be made to stop him from appearing on the ballot.

    “The only person that can give President Tinubu a push is Mr Peter Obi. The first strategy is to ensure he doesn’t get on the ballot,” he said.

    Links party switches to internal crises

    Oseni also addressed criticisms surrounding Obi’s movement across political parties.

    He said such decisions were influenced by internal disputes within opposition parties, drawing parallels with the crisis that affected the Peoples Democratic Party in 2022.

    According to him, similar tensions contributed to Obi’s exit from the African Democratic Congress.

    Claims over ADC structure

    The media personality further alleged that the structure of the ADC had been influenced by the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    He referenced disagreements over zoning arrangements, claiming there were differences during a meeting in Oyo State.

    “From a source, there were plans to zone the ticket to the South, but Atiku’s camp insisted otherwise,” he said.

    Debate over Obi’s exit

    Oseni also disputed Obi’s stated reason for leaving the ADC, suggesting the move was driven by internal pressure rather than legal concerns.

    He claimed the former governor had been “pushed into a corner” within the party.

    The comments add to ongoing debates around opposition realignments and political strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Rufai Oseni Questions Fuel Price Hike After Sudden Jump in 24 Hours

    Arise TV journalist Rufai Oseni has raised concerns over the sudden increase in petrol prices, questioning the government’s response to the impact of subsidy removal on Nigerians.

    Concerns over sudden price jump

    Oseni, in a viral video, recounted his experience at a filling station where he noticed a sharp price increase within a day.

    “So this morning I just went to the filling station… from 1,225 it’s now about 1,335. The price went up in the space of one day,” he said.

    He described the development as alarming, especially given the current economic pressures on citizens.

    Questions for the government

    The journalist questioned what measures have been put in place to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.

    “With all the subsidy being pulled out, what have you done to cushion the effect on the people?” he asked.

    He noted that while there appears to be some relief in aviation fuel pricing, petrol continues to place a heavy burden on consumers.

    Mixed reactions trail remarks

    His comments sparked debate online, with Nigerians divided over both the fuel price hike and his criticism.

    Some users blamed the government for failing to provide relief, while others dismissed his remarks as politically motivated.

    “A whole country held hostage by unpredictable fuel prices,” one user wrote, while another said, “They removed the subsidy… and the palliative is still a PowerPoint somewhere in Abuja.”

    Rising pressure over fuel costs

    The development adds to growing concerns over the cost of living, as fluctuating petrol prices continue to affect transportation, goods, and daily expenses across the country.