A heated war of words erupted on Monday between Arise Television anchor, Oseni Rufai, and Daniel Bwala, a spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, following claims that the broadcaster had been suspended from his duties.
Rufai, who resumed hosting duties on Monday after a break, used the live broadcast of the Arise Morning Show to address the rumour, linking it directly to Bwala.
Rufai said on air, “Bwala wants one of my Meta glasses. I can give him one.
“A government official woke up on Monday morning and alleged that I was suspended, and like I always ask Bwala, he should provide my suspension letter.
“If he doesn’t provide it, it’s an indictment on this government that its spokesperson lies. So, President Tinubu, tell Bwala to provide my suspension letter.”
In a swift reaction, Bwala responded via a post on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), referring to Rufai as an “adult toddler” and mocking him over his recently showcased Meta glasses.
Bwala said, “My attention was drawn to a jibe by an adult toddler, @ruffydfire, saying I went to their station when he was not around.
“First of all, I want to congratulate you for showing off a Meta glass you bought or DEM dash you during your break or alleged suspension.”
Bwala maintained that his presence in Lagos was part of a broader media engagement and took a swipe at Rufai, suggesting he missed the opportunity to interview him due to what he termed an “alleged suspension.”
“During this period, you have been in Lagos (maybe your alleged suspension included prohibition from traveling out of Lagos), and your producer could have recalled you from alleged suspension to attend my interview,” he stated.
Escalating the exchange, Bwala accused Rufai of indirectly insulting co-anchor Dr. Reuben Abati and challenged him to a face-to-face interview.
“Rufai, you have a studio in Abuja, fly in, and let’s borrow Prime Time from Charles and do the interview, man to man. I challenge the chairman to make that happen. I am waiting, fast, fast, fast!” he declared.
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