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Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN: How I Set The Rules Of Engagement Before Granting Interview At Arise TV
Renowned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), has shared how he laid down clear rules of engagement before appearing for an interview on Arise Television, stressing that every guest should insist on professionalism and mutual respect before going on air.
Chief Akintola recounted his experience from an interview conducted shortly before the commencement of proceedings at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, where discussions centred on the judiciary and the electoral process.
He revealed that the invitation had originally been extended to the APC and PDP National Chairmen, who both delegated their legal representatives instead. Akintola represented the All Progressives Congress (APC), while a senior lawyer appeared for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The session was anchored by Mr. Aniagolu, whom Akintola described as “a well-informed journalist.”
Upon arriving at Arise TV’s Abuja studio, located at the Transcorp Hilton, Akintola said he made his participation conditional upon certain rules, which he termed his Rules of Engagement The producer, after consulting with other officials, accepted them. Interestingly, the PDP representative also adopted the same terms.
The rules were as follows:
1?? Rufai Oseni would not be part of the two-member panel of interviewers.
2?? There would be no castigation of the judiciary as an institution or of any judicial officer in his presence — with a firm warning that he would walk out if that occurred.
3?? Interviewers would allow him to answer questions fully without interruption or suggestion of answers. “If you know the answer to your question, why ask me?” he said.
Chief Akintola disclosed that the interview, which lasted about 40 minutes, was conducted under mutual respect and decorum — a direct result of setting the ground rules.
He advised other guests, especially those appearing on highly charged political programmes, to insist on similar boundaries in order to maintain civility and balance.
The Senior Advocate’s revelation comes against the backdrop of the recent on-air confrontation between the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, and Arise TV presenter, Rufai Oseni, which sparked widespread debate over journalistic decorum and professional ethics on live television. The episode, widely described as a “show of shame” on social media, reignited concerns about interview conduct and prompted fresh conversations on how guests and broadcasters should manage mutual respect during heated exchanges.
Against that background, Chief Akintola’s account illustrates his long-standing insistence on order, fairness, and professionalism — principles he has consistently upheld in both his legal practice and public engagements.
> “Some of the Arise TV presenters perhaps think what they do not know does not exist. They are often too judgmental, and it is up to the interviewees to set the ground rules before the interview starts,” he noted. “That was exactly what I did — to put the Messrs-know-it-all of Arise TV, who are mostly Obidients, in their proper place.”
Chief Akintola’s reflections highlight his belief that respectful dialogue and ethical engagement are essential to national discourse — both in the courtroom and in the media space
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