Social media has been buzzing following a tense and heated clash on Channels Television’s Politics Today between Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and the show’s host, Seun Okinbaloye.
The confrontation arose during a discussion on President Bola Tinubu’s three-year economic reforms, such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, which many citizens associate with ongoing economic hardships.
Senator Kalu, a former Abia State governor and senator, pushed back against questions regarding past oversight failures, including money printing.
Senator Kalu said, “you can’t call people here to harass them. You don’t harass me, this is no longer an interview.”
Seun said, “I’m not harassing you, I’m just holding you accountable.”
The fiery exchange drew sharp divisions online, with some internet users praising the host’s persistence in holding public officials accountable, while others criticized the approach as selective pressure or an interrogation rather than an interview.
Click the link to watch the video.
Here are some of the reactions from social media users:
jai the oracle!!! (@Oluwama…): I am all in for accountability but this is not so professional. Allow him answer the questions, cos this is looking like when ICPC is drilling a suspect.
Adékúnlé Odérìndé (@Adek…): Just read comment section and you will be embarrassed to be a youth. I think failure of the media to hold government officials accountable has made people see questions on accountability as a fight against your guest. Youth whose future has been sold by APC are abusing Seun instead of demanding registration of 9th Senate for failure of oversight on Buhari’s government.
SizZzle. (@n6oflife6): Lmao… Dear @seunokin I know I have dragged you a lot in the past but this is all that Nigerians ask from you. Ask our Leaders the Hard questions. Hit them with the Truth. Don’t allow Them use your platform to sell SnakeOil. A Journalist must operate with Facts not Fear.
Omoobanimi (@dayoegbe): It’s very easy to embarrass Seun with this kind of attitude. Just leave him to answer all the questions he’s asking. U asked questions and don’t allow ur guest to answer. What sort of interview is that?
Abdullah Zayyad (@ZayyadInc): We need more journalists to learn and act like Seun Oni. This is the way to go. These leeches are not used to being held accountable. See him trembling and threatening at the instant of honest questions.
Muh’d Sayyadi Jibia (@MS_Jibia): Is this an interview or an interrogation? You ask your guest Q but don’t even allow him to answer, instead you fire off another one. This doesn’t look like holding him accountable. It looks more like Seun pandering to the audience, which is what Nigerian journalism has become.
Martins Diala (@martinsdlion): Seun is becoming more ruthless with his questions and i love it.
George Uwaifo (@GeorgeU…): If Onanuga was on that seat, Seun will not grill him this way. Seun is trying too hard to be seen as doing his job.