Ruben Abati, Rufai Oseni clash in Arise Live TV Over Gbajabiamila Budget Controversy

On-air tensions erupted Thursday morning on Arise News’ The Morning Show after co-anchor Dr. Reuben Abati shut down fellow anchor Rufai Oseni’s attempt to discuss a budget controversy linked to President Bola Tinubu's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The friction began when Oseni tried to introduce a ₦1.3 billion allocation to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, which critics have called a “phantom” presidential council.

Oseni was raising questions about a reported financial discrepancy in the 2026 Federal Government budget.

Abati, a veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson, immediately cut off the line of questioning. He insisted the topic was outside the pre-arranged editorial schedule for the program. Abati maintained that the panel had to stick strictly to the agreed-upon agenda and avoid unvetted, breaking updates mid-broadcast.

Oseni, known for a hard-hitting approach to governance and fiscal accountability, appeared visibly restricted by the intervention. He eventually complied as the program moved to its scheduled segments.

The on-air standoff reflects wider political sensitivity in Abuja over the ₦1.3 billion PFIPC allocation. The controversy stems from contradictions between official public statements and details in the 2026 budget.

The shutdown has sparked debate among viewers and media watchdogs online. Some argue that adhering to pre-production agendas is essential for structured live television. Others say blocking discussion of the ₦1.3 billion budgeting discrepancy prevents needed public scrutiny of executive accountability.