A heated exchange erupted on Monday between Arise Television anchor Oseni Rufai and Daniel Bwala, spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, after claims surfaced that the broadcaster had been suspended from his duties.
Rufai, who resumed hosting on Monday following a break, used the live broadcast of the Arise Morning Show to address the rumour, directly linking it to Bwala.
On air, Rufai said, “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.”
Bwala quickly fired back on X (formerly Twitter), dismissing Rufai as an “adult toddler” and mocking him over his recently flaunted Meta glasses.
“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 wrote.
He maintained that his presence in Lagos was part of wider media engagements and took a swipe at Rufai, suggesting the anchor missed the opportunity to interview him due to what he described as an “alleged suspension.”
“During this period, you have been in Lagos (maybe your alleged suspension included prohibition from travelling out of Lagos), and your producer could have recalled you from alleged suspension to attend my interview,” he added.
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.
