Arise Television’s Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has accused the Federal Government of applying double standards in its handling of controversial remarks made by public figures.
Oseni made the remarks on Thursday while reacting to recent controversies involving Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Lagos transport union leader MC Oluomo and Osun East Senator Ademola Fadahunsi.
The broadcaster questioned why individuals who make controversial or inflammatory statements are not subjected to the same level of scrutiny and consequences, while similar remarks attributed to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Leader Nnamdi Kanu have attracted severe legal consequences.
“The hypocrisy on which the country lives is that there are some that cannot say it. An example goes back to the case of the likes of Sheikh Gumi.
“They can say some things and get away with it. If you are probably an Nnamdi Kanu, you cannot say some things. That’s how the country is structured,” he said.
Oseni argued that the principle of equal treatment should apply regardless of the identity, political affiliation or social standing of the individual involved.
He maintained that government institutions must demonstrate consistency in enforcing laws and addressing statements capable of threatening national cohesion.
“So, what is said in Nigeria depends on where you are when you said it, your political affiliation, your religious affiliation, your racial affiliation, your tribal affiliation, that’s just it,” Oseni said.
His comments come amid renewed public debate over freedom of expression, hate speech, political rhetoric and the government’s response to controversial statements by influential figures.
