A former Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke described critics of Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni as people who are ignorant of the potentials the ace interviewer possess.
He pointed out that Oseni’s prowess as a talk show host is undeniable, adding that beyond entertainment, his confrontational style serves as a counterbalance to public office holders by providing a much-needed UFC smackdown to the delight of viewers.
Onuesoke, who made the statement in Asaba, Delta State yesterday while reacting to comments of critics of Rufai Oseni disclosed that those who dislike Rufai were mainly the egocentric and the mediocre who loathe his brilliance adding “because the brilliant wave the mirror at them and the true picture it reflects shatters their ego, their delusions or shows their inadequacies.
“Rufai unsettles them by exposing their inadequacies and hypocrisy with his questions. They fight back with insults. Arise should only invite guests whose level of intelligence is higher than their temperament. Often times, the belligerent guests are those who get annoyed by deep probing questions they have no meaningful answers to.
“I am watching arise today is because of Rufai, He is truthful. He can dig out a question that can make some politician crazy. He said it the way it is without minding who you are. He is well composed and educated journalist. He speak almost the mind of people,” he stated.
As for qualification, Onuesoke discribed Oseno as young, educated, well traveled, very influential and informed stressing that he has been BBC Bristol Analyst on African Issues since 2014-till date.
“Rufai has been a featured guest speaker at top Ivy League towers including Cambridge University and the University of Sussex, amongst others. Rufai is a toastmaster par excellence. He has moderated panel sessions for various ministries of the Nigerian government and the government of Mauritius.
“He is a passionate teacher and has taught the English Language at the National Open University of Nigeria’s various study centers. He has a network of over 5000 Nigerian students he mentors across Nigerian universities,” Onuesoke disclosed.
He said Oseni, like any other Nigeria has the right to complain or ask questions about the wrong in the country.
“Is Rufai Oseni not a Nigerian? Did he not buy garri, diesel and other commodities in the market? Why are people casting him? Is he a foreigner? If he ask you question and you did not like the question, you can skip it,” Onuesoke statedd.
