Northern Youth Group Replies Dr Reuben Abati over Seyi Tinubu Comment, says he displayed pettiness

The Northern Youth Initiative for Peace and Good Governance has berated Arise TV Host, Dr Reuben Abati for singling out President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu for being in the Villa and joining the President on foreign trips.  This was disclosed by the National President of the Group Alhaji Umar Farouk Lawal who issued on Friday 8th March 2024.

Recall that the Arise TV journalist and former media aide to the president, Reuben Abati, had questioned the occupation of President Bola Tinubu’s sons, Seyi and Yinka.

Abati, expressed his view on Wednesday, on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show” which he co-anchors with fellow journalists Oseni Rufai and two others.

He described as disturbing a situation where Tinubu’s sons were reportedly put before ministers on protocol list during Tinubu’s recent trip to Qatar.

“May we begin to ask, What do the president’s children do for a living? I don’t know specifically how old they are but looking at them, by the time I was their age, I was doing something concrete with my life. I got a PhD at 24. I wasn’t depending on any father,” he said.

But in a reaction the northern youth group said Abati was only being petty. “We find it unworthy and an act of pettiness, the statement credited to Arise TV Presenter, Dr Reuben Abati, a former aide to President Jonathan, questioning the presence of Mr Seyi Tinubu in the villa and some trips of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

It is important to let Dr Abati know that it is within the purview of the President to select and identify his entourage on any trip. If the President finds his son, Seyi, worthy to be part of the journey, that should not be the concern of Abati.” the group said.

The group added that “Regarding his inquiry into Seyi Tinubu’s job, we see this as an act of meddling into an affair he lacks locus on, as the President’s son does not owe the TV Presenter any reason to answer such a question. If he wishes to know Mr Seyi Tinubu’s job, he should assess his curriculum vitae, which is viral and in the public domain.”.

The group urged journalists to act in conformity with high sense of professionalism and to shun parochialism, as this renders their objectivity questionable.

The statement is presented as received;

“NORTHERN YOUTH GROUP REPLIES TO DT REUBEN ABATI, SAYING JOURNALIST DISPLAYED A HIGH LEVEL OF PETTINESS.”

“We find it unworthy and an act of pettiness, the statement credited to Arise TV Presenter, Dr Reuben Abati, a former aide to President Jonathan, questioning the presence of Mr Seyi Tinubu in the villa and some trips of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

“It is important to let Dr Abati know that it is within the purview of the President to select and identify his entourage on any trip. If the President finds his son, Seyi, worthy to be part of the journey, that should not be the concern of Abati.”

“Regarding his inquiry into Seyi Tinubu’s job, we see this as an act of meddling into an affair he lacks locus on, as the President’s son does not owe the TV Presenter any reason to answer such a question. If he wishes to know Mr Seyi Tinubu’s job, he should assess his curriculum vitae, which is viral and in the public domain.”

“We urge journalists to act in conformity with a high level of professionalism and to shun parochialism, as this renders their objectivity questionable.”

“Signed.
Alh. Umar Farouk Lawal.
President, NYIPGG.”