Come and try it here, Reuben Abati dares Babachir Lawal over 'shut up' outburst on live TV
Arise TV anchor Reuben Abati has dared former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal to repeat his on-air outburst on Arise TV after the latter told a TVC presenter to “shut up” during a heated interview.
The incident happened during a live programme on TVC News when anchor Nifemi Oguntoye challenged Mr Lawal’s comments about Nigeria’s electoral process, pointing out that Lawal had also supported the same system during the Buhari administration.
“You supported the same administration in 2019,” Oguntoye told the former SGF.
“It’s the same electoral process in 2019 and 2023. I didn’t see quite much difference.”
An irritated Babachir responded: “Give me a break, my friend. Shut up! What’s your problem?”
The video clip of the exchange quickly went viral, sparking backlash across social media. TVC also shared the clip on its official X page with the caption:
“Shut up! Former SGF Babachir Lawal tells TVC News Anchor, Nifemi Oguntoye during interview.”
Reacting on Wednesay, Abati condemned Lawal’s behaviour and warned that such conduct would not be tolerated on Arise TV.
“Let Babachir Lawal come here and try it and try to say ‘shut up’—the kind of flogging that he will receive. In fact, he will not be able to sleep that night,” he said.
The former presidential spokesperson also said, “It can never happen here. Try it here, now. Let him come.”
Abati’s colleague Oseni Rufai also described the exchange as disrespectful and unprofessional.
Social media users have continued to react strongly to the incident.
One Instagram user wrote, “Bachir Lawal, the grass cutter. It’s a shame and I can’t imagine how he treats people working under him.”
Another commenter said, “That so called SGF is extremely uncouth,” while one X user added, “Reuben wey carry respect for head? Even if e go lead to fight, he no go gree accept that kind talk.”
Babachir Lawal, who was sacked as SGF in 2017 over allegations related to the mismanagement of funds meant for internally displaced persons (IDPs), has recently become a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He was one of the prominent northern Christians who supported Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election.
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