Media personalities Reuben Abati and Rufai Oseni have come under scrutiny following remarks perceived as mocking Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over his alleged difficulty in pronouncing the abbreviation “GCFR.”
The controversy erupted after a clip circulating online captured the duo discussing Edo politics, during which Abati reportedly stated that Edo people “had the chance to choose a highly educated man,” a comment many social media users interpreted as a subtle jab at the governor’s academic background and public speaking.
Rufai Oseni was also alleged to have made remarks that critics described as dismissive, sparking heated reactions across social media platforms, particularly among Edo residents and political supporters of the governor.
Supporters of Governor Okpebholo condemned the comments, describing them as elitist and disrespectful, arguing that leadership competence should not be reduced to pronunciation or academic elitism. Some users insisted that the governor should be judged based on governance performance rather than media commentary.
However, others defended the broadcasters, claiming their statements were part of political analysis and public discourse, which is common in democratic settings where elected officials are subject to scrutiny.
Political observers note that the development reflects the growing tension between media commentary and political sensitivities, especially in the aftermath of Edo’s political transitions and heightened public interest in governance.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Abati nor Rufai Oseni has issued an official statement addressing the backlash, while the Edo State Government has also not formally responded to the trending remarks.
The incident has further fueled conversations about media responsibility, political criticism, and the tone of public discourse in Nigeria’s democratic space, with stakeholders calling for more constructive engagement rather than personal mockery in political commentary.
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