In the 2008 superhero film Hancock, Will Smith plays a man blessed (or cursed) with extraordinary powers but burdened with a reckless disregard for consequence. He wants to be “the hero”, but his arrogance, impulsiveness, and lack of discipline turn every rescue into a disaster. Instead of saving the day, he often leaves the city in ruins. If you tag it a story of strength without restraint, brilliance without humility, or good intentions drowned by ego, you are not wrong.
In many ways, and on so many accounts, Rufai Oseni mirrors Hancock, the type without capes and superpowers, a journalist who once stood for truth yet now appears to be trampling on the very ethos that defines journalism.
“Comrade” Rufai came onto the scene as a breath of fresh air… he was articulate, fearless, and intellectually engaging. He represented a new generation of Nigerian journalists unafraid to question the establishment and speak truth to power. But somewhere along the line, that zeal mutated into hubris. Like Hancock crashing through buildings to stop a petty thief, Rufai’s once purposeful passion now seems to leave dents on the credibility of journalism itself.
Journalism thrives on fairness, balance, and the discipline of verification. Yet, Rufai has displayed disturbing conducts that suggest a troubling slide into activism cloaked as journalism, a dangerous blend that turns the newsroom into a battlefield of opinions rather than a sanctuary of truth.
His tone, often combative and self-righteous, leaves little room for dialogue, empathy, or objectivity. The journalist who should serve as the people’s mirror now projects himself as their moral judge.
In Hancock, the hero’s downfall wasn’t his strength but his pride. The same lesson applies to the newsroom. When journalists begin to see themselves as the story, the public trust they are meant to protect erodes. The pen becomes a weapon, not an instrument of truth.
Rufai Oseni is undeniably intelligent and passionate, but like Hancock, he stands at a crossroads: to either rediscover humility and purpose, or to keep flying recklessly, leaving a trail of ethical wreckage behind.
Well..for me.. I do not think that the nation needs another media superhero with unchecked power. It requires journalists who understand that their strength lies not in volume or visibility, but in integrity, balance, and responsibility.
In the end, even Hancock had to be humbled before he became truly heroic. Perhaps Rufai Oseni needs that same awakening, to remember that journalism isn’t about being right; it’s about being fair, accurate, and accountable.
And to the politicians, who volunteer themselves for humiliation on Arise TV, quit making a phool of yourselves trying to win an argument you can’t control. If you value media ratings beyond your integrity (either hardly earned or not), by all means, come prepared!!! But for God’s sake, don’t keep feeding him the drama he thrives on. Sometimes, silence saves more dignity than shouting.
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