It is undeniable that elections are the cornerstone of any democratic society that provides mechanism for citizens to choose their leaders and influence governance.
From time to time, media outlets and journalists have played significant roles in shaping public opinion and perceptions about elections. One of the journalists who have been making his voice heard on contemporary issues in recent times is no other than Rufai Oseni, an anchor with the now popular Arise TV program The Morning Show.
The Animal Anatomy and Physiology graduate has become a notable figure in the media that he often provides commentary and analysis on political matters. However, as brilliant as he appears to be, he often bungles it by adorning the garb of a know-it -all mortal that feels every word of his must be respected.
Interestingly, many times, he has been seen on television confidently displaying ignorance with much braggadocio that makes viewers wonder if it’s actually a lecture room of a backstreet school where unready minds are trained.
The way ‘Ruffy boy’ sometimes churn out most of his analysis, that turns out otherwise in reality, often shows why some of his opinions should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Take for instance the emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the just concluded Edo Governorship Election. The APC flag-bearer was condemned and almost nailed to the cross by ‘star boy’ Oseni for not being able to articulate his reasonings and thoughts in the borrowed English language amongst other things. Meanwhile, the likes of Rufai Oseni by now, should know that speaking good English is never a license for intelligence and good governance. English is like any other language just like Arabs’ Arabic , Indians’ Hindi, Chinese’s Mandarin and many others that is peculiar to a particular area of the globe and it should never be seen as a yardstick to measure competence or brainpower.
It should not be encouraged that having a good command of a particular language, should translate to pure undiluted wisdom.
Rufai will only understand that literacy is relative when he finds himself in a place like China or Cotonou, where English isn’t the primary language, so he shouldn’t underrate anyone based on language.
Today, we have best brains in India where many of our leaders run to for medical salva, yet their English is still as appalling as it was yesterday.
I’ve watched the Lobour Party candidate Olumide Apata in that election severally where he banked on the polls conducted by musician turned blogger, Tunde Ednut and that of Rufai Oseni to give him victory in that Edo election.
I imagined how Ruffy boy would have boasted in his usual style that the election will be a walkover for the former NBA president.
One thing both Ruffy and Apata forgot is that elections are not won on the internet, it is won through hard work of grassroots politicking.
Rufai Oseni has been criticized by many for his perceived bias in political reporting. Critics have argued that his interviews and commentaries often reflects a particular political leaning, which is alien to the noble profession of journalism.
It is one of his skewed subjectivity that led to Apata believing he could spring wonders by winning the elections.
We should not deceive ourselves that, Arise TV, like many media organizations, have underlying political or economic interests that shape its reporting and commentaries. These interests can lead to selective reporting and biased poll results that serve the agenda of the media owners rather than providing an objective analysis.
Gradually, the trust many people have in that news channel is waning majorly because of Rufai Oseni’s emotions that he uses to submerge true ethics of journalism.
His confrontational style and the controversies surrounding his reporting have led some segments of the population to question the reliability of his analysis and the polls conducted by Arise TV.
While media outlets like Arise TV and journalists like Rufai Oseni play an essential role in informing the public and fostering democratic discourse, their views should be approached with caution. The lack of potential biases, influence of media ownership, can contribute to a better society we crave for.
Oofooneee! It is finished indeed
– Kunle Rasheed
