The House of Representatives has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Arise News and former presidential adviser Reuben Abati, demanding a public apology for remarks allegedly belittling the legislative body.
The lawmakers warned that failure to comply could lead to consequences they deem appropriate.
Raising the issue under matters of privilege, Representative Donald Ojogo argued that Abati’s comments had ridiculed members of the House, particularly concerning discussions on state creation.
Citing relevant provisions in the House’s Standing Orders, Ojogo stated: “The Honourable House of Representatives, ably led by our revered Speaker, remains not just another Government institution but an embodiment of the authority and power vested in us by the Nigerian people whom we are privileged to represent.
“In the course of discharging our constitutional responsibilities as provided under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and acting in accordance with the rules guiding this Honourable House, the Right Honourable Deputy Speaker, while presiding last Thursday, announced proposals received from Nigerians regarding requests for State creation.
“It is important to note that this announcement was made in fulfilment of the requirements for such proposals and not as a bill or proposal initiated by this House. Unfortunately, the announcement has been grossly misrepresented and taken out of context, sparking various reactions.”
Ojogo contended that while public discourse is expected, certain reactions have been outrightly inappropriate and unprofessional.
He specifically pointed to comments made by Abati on Arise News, which he described as derogatory and an affront to the integrity of the House.
“However, one particular reaction has crossed the bounds of decorum, decency, and professionalism, breaching the ethics of journalism and, by extension, the privileges of this Honourable House.
“I rise today under the aforementioned to draw the attention of this Honourable House to a derogatory and offensive comment made by Reuben Abati of ARISE News Television.
“In a viral video, Reuben Abati described the House of Representatives as ‘stupid’ and ‘idiotic’. This is an unfortunate, uncultured, and baseless assertion that has undermined the integrity of this Honourable House and infringed on my privilege as a Parliamentarian,” he stated.
Ojogo further claimed that Abati’s remarks were based on a cover story from ThisDay Newspaper—a media outlet affiliated with Arise News—published on February 7, 2025.
According to him, the journalist used the report as a basis for what he described as an “unjustifiable tirade.”
“His remarks, laden with arrogance and ignorance of facts, represent a gross display of unprofessionalism and a betrayal of journalistic ethics. Such vulgarity and lack of decorum are not only unacceptable but an affront to this Honourable House and the dignity of its Members.
“While this House upholds the principles of freedom of speech and press freedom, we must emphasise that 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,” the lawmaker concluded.