The legal counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Igbo community (Ndigbo) to boycott Arise TV until its anchor, Reuben Abati, tenders a public apology for allegedly making an anti-Igbo statement.
This controversy arose after Abati, a former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, made remarks during a morning program that many interpreted as discriminatory against the Igbo people.
The Allegation Against Abati
During the program, Abati shared a story about a former minister who was allegedly unable to purchase land for his wife in an Igbo community. The remark implied that Igbo people do not sell land to non-indigenes, sparking widespread criticism, particularly from South East Nigerians.
Many X (formerly Twitter) users of Igbo descent accused Abati of ethnic bigotry, expressing their outrage over what they described as a perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.
IPOB lawyer threatens Arise TV over Abati’s anti-Igbo
Ejiofor’s Reaction
Taking to his X account on Friday, Ejiofor recounted a prior encounter with Abati during a live television interview on The Morning Show. He alleged that during their interaction, Abati’s disdain for the Igbo people and their struggle for political autonomy within Nigeria became apparent.
“When I confronted Abati frontally on a live television interview (The Morning Show) a few years back about his deep-rooted hatred for Igbos and our struggle for freedom from enslavement within Nigeria’s political arrangement, I was fully seized by the disturbing facts of his ethnic bigotry. It is inborn in him; thank God he could not hide it any longer,” Ejiofor stated.
Demand for Apology and Boycott Call
Ejiofor has demanded that Arise TV’s owner, Nduka Obaigbena, compel Abati to issue a formal apology to the Igbo people. He warned that failure to do so would warrant a total boycott of the station by South East indigenes.
“Reuben Abati must tender an unreserved public apology to Ndi Igbo, but if Nduka Obaigbena condones his anti-Igbo sentiment (Igbophobia), then, this should be a convenient point for Igbos to boycott, in its totality, the promoting of all programmes on Arise TV platforms,” Ejiofor stated.
Public Backlash
The backlash against Abati reflects broader frustrations among the Igbo people regarding perceived stereotypes and prejudices. Many Igbo commentators have highlighted their community’s openness and inclusivity, disputing the narrative presented by Abati.
Call for Responsibility
Ejiofor emphasized that public figures like Abati have a responsibility to promote unity and understanding rather than division. He urged Igbo people to take a stand against platforms or individuals who perpetuate divisive rhetoric.
Broader Implications
The demand for an apology and the proposed boycott highlight ongoing tensions between ethnic groups in Nigeria. This incident underscores the need for dialogue and sensitivity in addressing interethnic relations, particularly in the media.
Next Steps
As of now, there has been no public response from Reuben Abati or Arise TV regarding Ejiofor’s accusations and demands. The Igbo community and the public await further developments on the matter.
This controversy serves as a reminder of the critical role media plays in fostering national unity and the consequences of statements that could be perceived as discriminatory or inflammatory.
