Peter Iorter
Lately, the media space has been buzzing with opinions about the heated exchange between Useni Rufai, a presenter on Arise TV, and his guest, Lere Olanyinka, spokesperson for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The back-and-forth wasn’t just a disagreement, it was an outburst that exposed glaring lapses in professionalism from both men. But before we unpack their shortcomings, let’s talk about journalism itself.
Let me be honest, journalism is the most abused profession. Anyone with a microphone, a pen, or a smartphone thinks they are a journalist.
Every Tom, Dick, and Harry who works in the media automatically carries the label, and because the public is ignorant, they throw the term journalist around like confetti at a wedding, assuming that every TV host, radio presenter, or content curator is a trained journalist.
In this digital age, the title has become even more diluted. A random person copying and pasting content online suddenly believes they’re part of the press.
No, journalism isn’t just about airing your opinions; it has ethics, demands rigor, integrity, and the skill to ask the right questions the right way. And that brings us back to Rufai.
Journalists Have a Duty, Not a License to Intimidate
Let’s get one thing straight—asking tough questions is a journalist’s job. Journalism exists to hold power accountable, to probe for truth, and to give the public clarity on matters of interest. But there’s a thin ethical line between rigorous questioning and outright interrogation.
When Hard Questions Are Fair:
1. Seeking Transparency – A good journalist asks tough, well-researched questions that push public figures to clarify their stance, provide evidence, or justify their decisions.
2. Probing for Truth Without Bias – Investigative journalists sometimes need to dig deep, but neutrality must remain intact.
3. Creating Public Awareness – Good questioning illuminates facts and places complex issues into digestible narratives.
4. Holding Power Accountable – Tough questioning is non-negotiable when dealing with governance, corruption, or public interests.
When Tough Questions Cross the Line:
1. Harsh, Interrogative Tone – If a journalist cuts off, berates, or antagonizes a guest, they aren’t seeking truth; they’re creating drama.
2. Leading Questions for Manipulation – If a question is framed to provoke rather than invite honest discussion, it’s unethical.
3. Public Embarrassment – A journalist’s job is to inform, not humiliate their guest.
4. Sensationalism Over Facts – If a question is designed to shock rather than enlighten, it’s pure theatrics.
Here’s where Rufai has often gone wrong, his approach is often antagonistic.
His style of questioning may have the right intentions, but the execution has most times veered into overly aggressive territory.
Now, let’s shift the focus to Lere Olanyinka, the man who walked into Rufai’s battlefield unequipped. Here’s the hard truth: most political spokespersons lack competence. The job isn’t just about responding to criticism, it’s about navigating conversations strategically.
Being a journalist doesn’t automatically qualify someone as a spokesperson. Some believe that Public Relations (PR) is enough preparation for such a role. But PR itself has evolved.
In the past, PR relied on propaganda, now, strategic communication is the gold standard. The aim isn’t just to defend your principal but to build trust with your audience so that they can believe in your message.
If Lere Olanyinka understood his role fully, there wouldn’t have been a confrontation in the first place. A competent spokesperson knows how to handle a hostile interviewer while maintaining composure. Instead, he matched Rufai’s aggression with defensiveness, a rookie mistake.
Bottom Line
Neither Rufai nor Lere came out of that exchange looking professional. One didn’t know how to handle an interview, and the other forgot that interviewing isn’t interrogation.
All said, this entire saga sends a strong message that journalism and communication aren’t free-for-all professions, they require skill, tact, and emotional intelligence.
So, what’s the lesson? Know your job. Master your craft. And for heaven’s sake, don’t let your ego overshadow your professionalism.
