By George Ozalla
The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned what it described as a verbal attack by Abia State Governor Alex Otti on a journalist during the February edition of the governor’s monthly media chat in Umuahia.
In a statement issued by its Safety and Protection of Journalists Hub and signed by Press Freedom Officer Melody Akinjiyan, the IPC said the governor’s remarks were unbecoming of a public office holder and capable of undermining press freedom and democratic accountability.
The incident occurred during a question and answer session when Chika Nwabueze of Don Media Group asked the governor to provide verifiable data showing that, beyond visible road construction and infrastructure projects, his administration’s policies since May 2023 had directly improved the economic conditions and living standards of residents of Abia State.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the session show that Governor Otti reacted sharply to the question. He challenged the journalist’s basis for the inquiry and asked whether he lived in Abia. When the journalist confirmed he resided in Umuahia, the governor responded, You have not said anything. Do you live in Abia? If you live in Umuahia, you are the one that will provide data.
He further stated, You can’t come to a media chat and ask me to provide data about measurable impacts on work that is being done in the state where you live. It is irresponsible. That we throw this open for people to ask questions doesn’t mean people should be stupid.
The remarks have since generated debate within media and civil society circles, with many describing the exchange as hostile and dismissive of legitimate journalistic inquiry.
Reacting to the development, the IPC said journalists have a constitutional responsibility to question public officials and seek evidence-based clarification on policy claims. The organisation maintained that media engagements should provide room for accountability and transparency, not personal attacks.
The IPC called on Governor Otti to publicly apologize to the journalist and urged political office holders to uphold decorum in their interactions with the press, stressing that respectful engagement strengthens democratic governance.
Governor Alex Otti, elected in 2023 under the Labour Party platform, holds periodic media chats as part of his administration’s public communication strategy.
