Arise TV co-host Dr Reuben Abati has responded to critics who queried him about his comment that Igbos do not sell lands to other tribes.

During the night of tributes for the late Ifeanyi Ubah, Senate President Godswill Akpabio while delivering his speech, praised Igbos. He described them as industrious and the only elite group of Nigerians who build houses wherever they find themselves.

During an analysis on the Arise TV morning show on Thursday, November 21, 2024, Dr Abati agreed with Akpabio’s comment but added that “Igbo people do not sell land to outsiders.” He referred to an incident involving the former Minister of Information, T.S.O Benson, who sought to purchase land in Igbo land for his wife. However, his in-laws informed him that land is not for sale to outsiders.

However, there were mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media. While some dismissed his claim, others agreed with his stance and shared their experiences.

Reacting to the criticisms following his Igbos are hostile comment, Dr Abati fumed when asked if he wanted to counter his statement, refused saying, everyone was entitled to their opinions and that he provided context to his comment.

He said, “I was very clear yesterday, I was very specific, I made my point, I provided the context in which I spoke. If people have selective hearing that is their problem. Replay the tape again. I was specific about what I said. I provided context. Nobody should tell me any nonsense. If people have a different opinion, and they are entitled. If people have an opinion, they have anthropological evidence to support it they should say so. It’s not for me to reverse myself.”

Below are some reactions

I did my degree training in Igbo land
I did my residency training in Igbo land.
I bought my first land with my fellow resident doctors in Igbo land. Along Onitsha road. Called Irete.
I also bought another plot along Portharcourt road. Called Avu. I sold these lands at a good and…

— Urhobo Water (@XOghre) November 22, 2024

The question should be, did the same person offer the seller an offer he can’t refuse? How can someone who needs money in a free economy decide to refuse money because it is coming from a particular tribe. The Igbos have never made it illegal to sell land to non-Igbos

— Whale V (@whalevalidator1) November 22, 2024

My Yoruba friends and I, they are all staff of Federal School of Dental Technology Enugu. 3 among them are proud land owners here in Enugu, one have started developing. @abati1990 should DM for lands available here in Enugu, shameless spokesman that couldn’t defend his principal pic.twitter.com/5sgvEGYCsW

— UcheChari (@Ucmelody218191) November 22, 2024

Practical lie! I’m not Igbo but I have land In Enugu

— IJAJA Jnr. (@Arubimustwin) November 22, 2024

Dear @ojyOkpe, @ruffydfire please kindly help me tell @abati1990 incase he won't see this comment that I have a plot of land at K/m 13 old Enugu Onitsha express way,Anambra just close to late Sen Chuba Okadigbo community OGBUNIKE #45million. He should DM me for urgent biz.

— Ossy_Mozie (@Famozy2) November 22, 2024

I personally have good Igbo friends and an igbo woman i see as my second mother from childhood till now.
I totally condemn any views that describes all igbos as hostile because it's not true.
Eziokwu bu nzu!

— Sani Aminu Muhammed (Enyo) (@SaniAminuMuham4) November 22, 2024