Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North has challenged Arise TV’s approach to covering Nigeria’s security challenges, suggesting the media house celebrates criminality while contrasting its reporting with international media’s more supportive stance toward their nations during crises.
During a tense Arise TV interview, Oshiomhole praised Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum’s efforts against insurgency while criticizing the media outlet’s framing of the situation. “The Governor is working very hard. He’s doing everything to deal with the aftermath of all those attacks, which is very commendable. He’s taking risks going everywhere, and sometimes you wonder whether he has special armor,” Oshiomhole stated. “He’s doing everything; I don’t think he sleeps. I look at his eye bag; I said, ‘This man is not sleeping.'”
The senator then directly challenged the network’s editorial approach: “We shouldn’t celebrate criminality, I watch CNN, and I watch international cable. When a nation is under attack by criminals, all hands should be on deck, including the media.”
Oshiomhole appealed for sensitivity toward security forces battling insurgents: “You know that military families have lost soldiers. I want us to encourage our forces, even as we have huge challenges, as there’s a huge gap between where we are and where we want to be.”
The exchange grew contentious when the Arise TV journalist defended the network’s reporting, denying any celebration of insecurity and suggesting Oshiomhole’s comments were politically motivated. The journalist pointed to recent statistics indicating deteriorating conditions in Borno State compared to previous years.
Oshiomhole remained unmoved, accusing the anchor of “recycling the question to amplify the insecurity situation” in northeastern Nigeria and Borno State specifically.
The confrontation unfolds against a backdrop of escalating violence in Borno, where recent Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks on military installations have resulted in significant casualties, including soldier fatalities. Governor Zulum’s extraordinary measures to counter insurgent threats have included reportedly spending nights in vulnerable locations like Marte to deter attacks.
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