Arise TV ends interview with Wike’s aide after he refuses Rufai’s questions
Arise TV ended its Morning Show interview with Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, after he refused to answer questions from anchor Rufai Oseni, insisting he only wanted to speak with “reasonable human beings.” Co-host Ayo Mairo then ended the interview, stating there would be no further questions until Olayinka engaged all three anchors.
The incident highlights growing tensions between media personalities and government officials, reflecting broader press freedom and accountability concerns in Nigeria. It also signals possible friction within the Presidency’s 2027 campaign council discussions, as Olayinka had been asked about Wike’s position on controversy surrounding Tinubu’s campaign team.
Olayinka’s remarks came after a prior clash with Rufai, and the interview was cut short before any substantive discussion on the campaign council issue. Viewers interested in media-government relations can watch the clipped video online, but the full interview remains unavailable. As media access to officials remains uneven, consider how such confrontations affect public accountability and the flow of information in Nigeria’s political landscape.