(DDM) – A heated exchange broke out on Tuesday morning between Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, and Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, during a live interview session that quickly turned dramatic.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the confrontation occurred while the minister was being interviewed on Arise TV’s Morning Show about the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Tensions reportedly escalated when Rufai Oseni referenced claims that the minister had allegedly reported him to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his previous critical comments about the project, a claim Umahi angrily denied.
Visibly irritated, Umahi interrupted Oseni, saying, “You are too small for me to report to the President. Stop saying I reported you to the President, you’re too small.”
As the conversation grew tense, the Works Minister also asserted that he was a “professor” in the field of engineering, a remark that prompted Oseni to ask when and where the title was conferred.
Umahi retorted sharply, insisting that his professorship was based on professional experience rather than academic conferment.
“Keep quiet and stop saying what you don’t know,” Umahi snapped. “I’m a professor in this field. You don’t understand anything.”
The verbal sparring continued for several minutes, with Umahi accusing Oseni of lacking technical knowledge of engineering and the host maintaining composure while responding diplomatically.
In a calm but firm tone, Rufai replied, “Minister, it’s alright. Keep dignifying yourself and let the world know who you truly are.”
The exchange has since gone viral on social media, with many Nigerians divided in their reactions.
Some viewers criticised Umahi’s tone as disrespectful and authoritarian, arguing that public officials should maintain decorum when engaging with journalists on national television.
Others defended the minister, suggesting that the anchor’s line of questioning may have been confrontational.
Observers say the confrontation highlights a growing tension between public officeholders and the Nigerian media, particularly over issues of accountability and press freedom.
This is not the first time Umahi has clashed with journalists.
During his tenure as Ebonyi State Governor, he was once accused of banning state correspondents of certain media houses for publishing reports he considered “unfavourable.”
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, at the centre of the heated exchange, has drawn controversy due to its estimated ₦15 trillion cost, questions about its procurement process, and impact on coastal communities and existing infrastructure.
Umahi, a civil engineer by training, has consistently defended the project as a transformational investment that will boost tourism, commerce, and national connectivity.
Meanwhile, media analysts have called on both parties to exercise restraint and uphold professionalism in future engagements, stressing that robust journalism and transparent governance are both vital to Nigeria’s democracy.
The video clip of the exchange, which has now circulated widely online, continues to generate public debate on the boundaries of media scrutiny, respect for office, and freedom of expression in Nigeria’s political discourse.