Political commentator and human rights activist Mahdi Shehu has criticized Segun Showunmi, popularly known as Otunba Segun Showunmi, over his remarks concerning the heated on-air confrontation between Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni and Minister of Works David Umahi.
Shehu Takes Aim at Showunmi
Shehu’s reaction came after Showunmi—a former aide to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a well-known public affairs analyst—commented on the viral exchange. Showunmi, who also leads The Alternative (also called the National Opposition Movement Coalition), had positioned the group as a platform to strengthen democracy and restore credible opposition voices in Nigeria.
Clash Between Umahi and Rufai Sparks Controversy
The fiery encounter took place on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, where Rufai pressed the minister on issues surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and his self-description as a “Professor of Engineering.”
The discussion soon turned tense, with Umahi lashing out, instructing the journalist to “keep quiet” and claiming Rufai was “too small” to question his qualifications or imply presidential influence.
The exchange has since sparked widespread debate, with commentators like Mahdi Shehu weighing in on the boundaries of public accountability and political decorum.