OKEZIE James Atani, who describes himself as a senior pastor has drawn scrutiny after allegedly telling Arise News journalist Rufai Oseni that he ought to be beaten black and blue following the journalist’s account of an encounter with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Atani, a staunch supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) drew criticism following a comment he made in response to a post by Oseni, who said Dabiri-Erewa confronted him at an event despite having blocked him on the social media platform.
Oseni had written in a post that Dabiri-Erewa confronted him at an event despite having blocked him on X.
“As usual I went to an event and Madam Abike Dabiri saw me and caused a scene. Madam you have blocked me already on twitter (sic) why see me in public and start calling my name and make a scene (sic), I am making this public before they start the lies ooo,” Oseni wrote.
“Madam Abike you didn’t need to mention my name on your panel session once you saw me,” he added.
Atani, who uses the X handle @Onsogbu responded to Oseni with the statement: “You ought to be beaten black and blue.”
The remark by the Aba, Abia State-based self-acclaimed clergyman, on Rufai’s post has raised concerns about the use of violent language against journalists, particularly by a person who publicly identifies as a Christian religious leader.
“Man of God. How many people did Jesus beat up? Even when Peter caught off Marcus ears, Jesus repaired and warned him to stop. What are you teaching your church members?,” Sunny Cliff queried.
@Farouq also questioned Atani’s claim to being a pastor. He challenged him to go ahead and physically assault the journalist.
“Agbero under the camouflage of a pastor, how far?,” Ifeanyichukwu Okwonko also wrote.
Omofoma Eric said he opposed violence but believed Atani should face a lawsuit over alleged cyberstalking and harassment.
“I don’t like violence, but this irritant deserves to be sued for cyber stalking and harassment,” he said.
@oiwatokyo condemned the call for Oseni to be beaten for asking critical questions about Nigeria’s affairs.
“Beaten because he is asking critical questions regarding the affairs of the country?” he said.
Chima asked “Pastor pastor! as our Lord Jesus taught you?,” while Hildat Omolabake wrote “So much for a pastor,”
The ICIR reports that Atani was arrested by the police in April 2024 over an alleged defamation complaint after claiming that some Labour Party (LP) politicians paid to host live audio conversations on X.
The allegation was made in a post directed at Serah Ibrahim, an influential figure in the Obidient movement, a political movement associated with Peter Obi, the LP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
Ibrahim subsequently lodged a complaint with the police, leading to Atani’s arrest.
He was later released following the intervention of several APC members, including the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, and the party’s National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel.
Atani announced in April his intention to contest for the chairmanship of Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State in the 2027 elections on the platform of the APC.
Nanji is an investigative journalist with the ICIR. She has years of experience in reporting and broadcasting human angle stories, gender inequalities, minority stories, and human rights issues. She has documented sexual war crimes in armed conflict, sex for grades in Nigerian Universities, harmful traditional practices and human trafficking.