There is something increasingly uncomfortable about political interviews on Nigerian television. A journalist asks a difficult question, a politician or political spokesman dislikes the question, and instead of answering it, the guest attacks the journalist. Before long, the subject that brought them to the studio has disappeared, replaced by accusations, counter-accusations and personal insults.
Last week, Lere Olayinka, spokesman for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, repeated that on air when ARISE News anchor Rufai Oseni asked him a question on The Morning Show. Oseni asked why former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu had been included in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council despite the corruption allegations that had surrounded her.
Olayinka responded inter alia: “I don’t want to answer any question from you. I want this discussion to be among reasonable human being (sic) – people who will not describe others as gbewudani.” The programme’s co-anchor, Ayo Mairo-Ese, registered her displeasure with Olayinka’s choice of words, reminding him that he knew he was coming to the programme to meet the three anchors and answer questions from them. Olayinka maintained his position, and she ended the interview.
