Age Comes with Responsibility and Maturity
Reuben Abati’s Controversial Remarks on Land Sales in the Southeast is a pure Animosity towards the Igbos. Journalism is a profession founded on core principles such as truthfulness, accuracy, independence, objectivity, fairness, respect for others, and public accountability. These values serve as the foundation of professional integrity, especially for seasoned journalists like Reuben Abati. As a former presidential spokesperson and a media veteran, Abati is expected to exemplify these ideals. Unfortunately, his recent remarks regarding the Igbo people, where he inferred that they do not sell land to "outsiders," reflect a disappointing departure from these standards and raise serious questions about his judgment and maturity.
On November 21, during an Arise TV broadcast, Reuben Abati recounted a story involving Theophilus Owolabi Shobowale (TOS) Benson, Nigeria’s first post-independence Minister of Information. According to Abati, Benson claimed that his attempts to purchase land in the southeast for his Igbo wife and daughter were met with resistance from his in-laws, who allegedly told him that "Igbos do not sell land to non-indigenes." Abati used this anecdote to infer that the Igbo people are exclusionary when it comes to land ownership, even for in-laws.
This sweeping generalization immediately drew widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the validity and intent behind Abati’s remarks. His co-anchor, Ojy Okpe, challenged him live on air, asserting that such a claim painted an entire ethnic group with one brush. The exchange turned heated, with Abati retorting, “Don’t tell me nonsense,” further escalating the tension.
Abati’s comments reflect an adverse judgment formed without proper investigation or knowledge of the facts. This is particularly troubling given Nigeria's diverse and sensitive ethnic geography. Such remarks, made without evidence, not only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but also risk inflaming ethnic tensions in a nation striving for unity.
Contrary to Abati’s claims, evidence shows that the Igbo people do not systematically exclude non-indigenes from land ownership in the southeast. Consider the following examples:
Inclusivity in Commerce: One of the largest cosmetics dealers in Onitsha, Anambra State, hails from northern Nigeria. Despite being a Hausa man, he has built houses and established a thriving business in the southeast.
Diverse Residents: Numerous Nigerians from other ethnic groups own properties, run businesses, and live harmoniously within southeastern communities.
These examples debunk the narrative of exclusion and deepen the inclusivity that characterizes Igbo culture. Abati’s failure to conduct investigative journalism to substantiate his claims highlights a lapse in professional rigor. Instead of relying on secondhand anecdotes, he should have sought concrete evidence to avoid undermining his credibility and misleading the public.
As a public figure, Abati wields significant influence, and his words carry weight. His platform should be used to promote understanding, foster unity, and provide fact-based education. Unfortunately, his remarks can tarnish the image of the Igbo people, portraying them as tribalistic and exclusionary—a misrepresentation that is both unfair and unfounded.
Journalists, especially those with Abati’s experience, have a duty to rise above personal biases and hearsay. Investigative journalism, characterized by thorough research and fact-checking, remains the gold standard of the profession. Abati’s failure in this regard represents a missed opportunity to educate and enlighten Nigerians.
Abati’s controversial remarks are crude, remote, and primitive, and lack the importance of ethical journalism and public accountability. His comments have sparked a necessary conversation about the standards of Nigerian journalism and the responsibility of media professionals to uphold the values of truth and fairness. It is not too late for him to reflect on this episode and demonstrate the professionalism and maturity expected of someone of his stature.
Like every ethnic group in Nigeria, the Igbo people have their traditions and practices. However, to generalize these practices without evidence is both unjust and counterproductive. Abati’s role as a journalist should be to explore these nuances with respect and responsibility, not to propagate hearsay, hate, or personal biases. His remarks blur the lens through which the Igbo people are viewed and risk deepening ethnic divisions.
The integrity of journalism lies in its commitment to objectivity, fairness, and truth. As a former spokesperson and respected media personality, Reuben Abati should embody these values, using his platform to inform, educate, and not to promote hate.
Nigerians deserve a media chronograph that transcends ethnic divisions and promotes national unity. Reuben Abati must seize this moment to reflect, learn, and rebuild trust with his audience. He owes it to the public to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to factual reporting.
Written by Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate.
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