Journalism, Responsibility and Press Freedom: Lessons from the Rufai Oseni–Abike Dabiri-Erewa Exchange

By Aviashima Toom

The exchange between Rufai Oseni, co-host of Arise Television’s The Morning Show, and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has reignited debate about journalistic standards, professional responsibility and press freedom in Nigeria.

Speaking during a panel session in Lagos marking Kike Abati’s 20th anniversary in the media industry, Dabiri-Erewa reportedly expressed concern about declining journalistic standards, emphasising the need for journalists to be responsible and accountable.

Her concerns raise an important question: Has journalism lost its professional values, or has the changing media landscape simply transformed how journalists perform their duties?

There is little doubt that journalism has evolved significantly. Unlike the era when traditional broadcasting organisations dominated news production, today’s media environment includes private television stations, online newspapers, independent publishers and social media platforms. These developments have expanded access to information and created opportunities for journalists to challenge official narratives.

However, greater independence does not automatically translate into professionalism. The pressure to publish quickly, attract audiences and generate engagement can encourage sensationalism, inadequate fact-checking and the circulation of unverified information.

Consequently, concerns about responsible journalism deserve serious consideration. But establishing that professional standards have declined requires evidence, not merely comparisons between generations.

Responsibility Must Not Become an Excuse to Silence the Media

Responsible journalism demands accuracy, fairness, verification and accountability. Journalists must be prepared to correct mistakes and give individuals implicated in reports a fair opportunity to respond.

Equally, responsibility must not be confused with unquestioning obedience to authority. Journalists should not be labelled irresponsible simply because their questions are uncomfortable or their investigations expose weaknesses in government institutions.

As a broadcaster associated with public-affairs discussions, Oseni operates in an environment where challenging public officials is an essential part of democratic accountability. Nevertheless, tough questioning must be supported by facts, fairness and professional restraint.

Neither a confrontational interviewing style nor a reputation for challenging authority automatically establishes whether a journalist has acted professionally. Each case must be assessed on its merits.

The debate also highlights the relationship between experience and knowledge. Years in journalism can strengthen judgement and provide valuable institutional understanding, but seniority does not guarantee accuracy or ethical conduct.

Similarly, younger journalists may possess stronger digital skills and familiarity with emerging technologies, but they must demonstrate professional discipline and sound judgement.

Neither generation has a monopoly on excellence. The profession benefits most when experience and innovation complement each other.

Who Defines Irresponsible Journalism?

Dabiri-Erewa, as a public official, has every right to criticise journalistic practices. However, public officials should not determine professional standards solely according to their personal preferences.

Journalists must remain accountable for their work, but legitimate scrutiny must not be dismissed as misconduct simply because it challenges those in power.

Ultimately, the exchange should transcend personalities and generational differences. Journalism must be judged by the credibility of its evidence, the fairness of its reporting and its commitment to the public interest, not by ownership, popularity or seniority.

In a democracy, journalists must be free to question authority and equally prepared to defend their reporting with facts.

Press freedom and professional responsibility are not opposing principles; they are mutually reinforcing foundations of credible journalism.