Oseni Rufai Defends Tough Interview Style, Says Nigerian Politicians Fear Accountability
Oseni Rufai has defended his assertive interview style, saying it aligns with global journalism standards.
He argued that Nigerian politicians mistake accountability for disrespect due to fragile egos.
Arise News anchor and broadcast journalist, Oseni Rufai, has defended his style of on-air questioning, saying it follows long-established global journalism practices that prioritize accountability and truth.
He explained that his firm and probing interviews mirror the approach used by respected international broadcasters such as Christiane Amanpour, BBC’s Stephen Sackur, and CNN’s Jake Tapper, who are known for challenging world leaders and insisting on clarity rather than political spin.
Oseni argued that while this approach is common in advanced democracies, it is often misunderstood in Nigeria, where some members of the political class perceive tough questioning as disrespect.
“The real problem isn’t my tone; it’s the fragile ego of Nigeria’s political elite,” he said. “Many of them still can’t differentiate between personal pride and public duty. They expect journalists to glorify them instead of holding them accountable.”
He also criticized politicians who insist on receiving interview questions ahead of time, calling it a practice that “kills spontaneity and shields leaders from being answerable to citizens.”
“When they meet journalists who won’t play along with that script, they mistake professionalism for provocation,” Oseni stated.
Reaffirming his view of journalism as a tool for social accountability, Oseni maintained that the media’s responsibility is to challenge authority in pursuit of truth and justice.
“Journalism exists to comfort the oppressed and unsettle the powerful,” he said. “It’s not about sounding polite but about being truthful. If someone cannot endure scrutiny, then they have no business in public office.”
