Mixed reactions have trailed recent comments made by journalist and former presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati regarding land ownership practices in Nigeria’s southeastern Igbo region.

During a segment on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Thursday, Abati shared an anecdote suggesting that Igbos do not sell land to non-Igbos.

Abati recounted a story told to him by the late Theophilus Benson, who served as minister of information in Nigeria’s first post-independence government. According to Abati, Benson, who had an Igbo wife, wanted to purchase land in Igboland to build a home for her in his old age. However, Benson’s Igbo in-laws allegedly told him they do not sell land to outsiders.

“That is the irony of Nigeria, about the politics of federation of unity,” Abati commented. “The same Igbos who are so industrious that they are all over and do well in other parts of Nigeria, you go as a non-Igbo man to go and buy umunna (kindred) land, you will be told that you don’t belong even as an in-law.”

Abati’s remarks quickly ignited a firestorm on social media, drawing both support and criticism. Some agreed with his perspective, while others felt the veteran journalist was wrong to make sweeping statements about such a sensitive ethnic issue.

Undeterred by the backlash, Abati doubled down on his comments the following day when prompted by co-host Ojy Okpe to clarify his stance.

“I have no further comments on that subject,” Abati said firmly. “I was very clear yesterday, I was very specific, I made my point, I provided a context in which I was speaking. If people have selective hearing, that is their problem.”

He challenged those disagreeing with him, particularly from the southeast, to present any anthropological evidence proving him wrong. Abati admonished Okpe that her role was not to challenge him, but to present diverse viewpoints as a journalist.

“Except you are expressing your own opinion, and then I will come after you and say you are wrong,” he told Okpe. “It’s not for you to come and challenge me. If you try that, we will fight.”

Abati’s controversial comments have reignited long-standing debates about ethnic relations, land ownership, and perceptions of belonging in Nigeria’s complex sociopolitical landscape. As the discourse continues to rage online and offline.

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