The leadership of the House of Representatives in Nigeria has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Arise Television News and its anchor, Reuben Abati, over alleged derogatory comments made about lawmakers’ activities.
The ultimatum demands an apology for remarks made during a recent broadcast, where Abati reportedly described a proposal by lawmakers to create 31 additional states as “stupid” and “idiotic.”
The matter was raised on the floor of the Green Chamber by Hon. Donald Ojogo, representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, under matters of privilege.
Ojogo accused Abati and Arise TV of breaching the privilege of lawmakers and undermining the integrity of the House.
In a viral video from one of Arise TV’s programmes, Abati was seen criticising the lawmakers’ proposal, using language that has sparked outrage among members of the House.
Ojogo described Abati’s remarks as “unfortunate, uncultured, and baseless,” adding that they were laden with arrogance and ignorance of facts.
“Such vulgarity and lack of decorum are not only unacceptable but an affront to this Honourable House and the dignity of its members,” Ojogo stated.
The lawmaker further emphasised that while the House upholds the principles of freedom of speech and press freedom, such rights come with responsibilities.
“Freedom of speech is not a licence for the dissemination of falsehoods, the distortion of facts, or the promotion of indecency and disrespect in the public sphere,” Ojogo said.
The House has called on Arise TV and Abati to retract the comments and issue a formal apology within 24 hours.
Sources informed Diaspora Digital Media that failure to comply may result in legal further action by the House.
The proposal for creation of states
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review announced receipt of proposals for the creation of 31 new states in Nigeria.
If successful, this would increase the total number of states from 36 to 67 if approved.
The proposed states are spread across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, with the North Central, North East, North West, South East, South-South, and South West zones having 5, 4, 5, 5, 4, and 7 proposed states, respectively.
The creation of new states is governed by Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled, including a request supported by at least two-thirds majority of members representing the area demanding the creation of the new state.
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review has called for submissions of proposals and memoranda, which must be received by the committee no later than March 5, 2025.
The committee has emphasized that it will only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines and constitutional provisions.
