A heated exchange unfolded on live television after former Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hilliard Etta, accused Arise TV of focusing excessively on the shortcomings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The remarks, made during a political discussion programme on Arise TV, triggered immediate reactions from the station’s anchors, who pushed back against the allegations and defended the network’s editorial approach.
Etta claimed that the television station appeared more interested in highlighting the failures and controversies surrounding the Tinubu administration rather than giving attention to what he described as the government’s achievements and policy reforms.
According to him, media organizations have a responsibility to present balanced coverage and avoid narratives capable of creating negative public perceptions about the government.
The former APC chairman argued that despite economic challenges and public criticism, the Tinubu administration has introduced reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy and improving governance. He suggested that some media platforms often amplify negative stories while paying limited attention to government successes.
However, the Arise TV anchors strongly challenged the claim during the live broadcast, insisting that the station’s role is to hold public officials accountable and ask difficult questions on issues affecting Nigerians.
The anchors maintained that critical reporting should not be interpreted as hostility toward the government, emphasizing that journalism requires scrutiny of public policies, leadership decisions, and national developments.
One of the presenters reportedly noted that Nigerians are currently facing economic hardship, inflation, rising fuel costs, and security concerns, making such issues unavoidable topics for media discussion and public debate.
The exchange quickly gained traction on social media, with clips from the programme circulating widely online as Nigerians shared differing opinions over the role of the media in covering government activities.
Supporters of Etta argued that some media organizations focus disproportionately on criticism of the Tinubu administration while overlooking policy initiatives and infrastructural projects introduced by the government.
Others defended Arise TV, saying the media has a constitutional responsibility to question those in power and reflect the realities experienced by citizens across the country.
Political analysts say the incident reflects broader tensions between political figures and media organizations in Nigeria, especially during periods of economic and political uncertainty.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration has faced intense public scrutiny over major policy decisions, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms, and measures aimed at stabilizing the economy.
While government officials insist that the reforms are necessary for long-term economic recovery, critics argue that many Nigerians continue to struggle with rising living costs and economic hardship.
The media has remained central to the national conversation, with television stations, newspapers, and digital platforms frequently hosting debates on governance, economic reforms, insecurity, and political accountability.
Observers note that disagreements between politicians and journalists are not uncommon in democratic societies, particularly when governments face growing public pressure.
Media experts have stressed that balanced journalism involves reporting both achievements and shortcomings while giving audiences the opportunity to evaluate government performance independently.
The controversy surrounding Etta’s comments has further reignited discussions about media independence, press freedom, and political influence in Nigeria’s democratic environment.
Some commentators argue that public officials should expect rigorous questioning from journalists, especially on matters directly affecting citizens. Others believe media outlets should equally highlight positive government initiatives to provide broader context.
Despite the disagreement, both the Arise TV anchors and Etta continued the discussion professionally, with the conversation reflecting the increasingly active role of televised political debates in shaping public discourse in Nigeria.
As reactions continue online and across political circles, the incident has once again underscored the growing influence of broadcast media in holding leaders accountable and driving national conversations on governance and democracy.
