By Suleiman Anyalewechi
A groundswell of public outrage and condemnation have continued to trail the Abia State Governor’s hauling of insults at, and vituperation on a broadcast Journalist in the State, Mr Chika Nwabueze.
This is as the All Progressive Congress, APC, expressed its unalloyed solidarity with Nwabueze over what it described as unwarranted assault on journalist by the Abia State Governor.
The Source reports that Governor Otti’s avoidable outburst and scathing tirades against Nwabueze over a routine and innocuous question demanding a verifiable data on the impacts of Government policies and programmes on the people, completely overshadowed his monthly media chat for February, Friday night.
“Your Excellency, your administration has received accolades on infrastructure, projects, and reforms, but critics say transparency and inclusive governance need improvement. Can you provide verifiable data showing how your policies have directly improved the standard of living of Abia people”, Nwabueze had asked the Governor.
But rather than responding to the question, the Abia state Governor resorted to the hauling of insults at the Journalist, describing his question as “irresponsible” and the Journalist as “stupid”
Governor Otti who was apparently more enraged by the fact that the Journalist works with a local Radio, “Don FM”, which ownership is linked to the Abia State Coordinator of the nascent , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Support Group “City Boys Movement” berated the Journalist for asking what he considered an irrelevant question.
“You have not said anything. Since you live in Umuahia, you will be the one to provide data.
“This is a serious media chat. We are not here to massage opposition. You can’t come to my media chat and ask me to provide data about the measurable impact of the work that is being done in the State where you live.
” It is irresponsible. That we throw this media chat open for everybody to ask questions doesn’t mean people should be stupid.
“Let us take this seriously. Speech is free, but when you come to my media chat you must be prepared.
“If you don’t have any question then you don’t raise your hand. What do you want to hear from me”, Gov Otti fumed.
However,the Governor’s aggressive disposition nothwithstanding, the Journalist insisted on being availed verifiable evidence of the manifest impacts of the policies of the Government.
Expectedly, the Governor’s seemingly unwarranted outburst has been eliciting widespread indignation and condemnation from across the State, particularly the opposition camp.
Not a few working journalists in the state have come to perceive the Governor’s insults on Nwabueze as an assault on free press and democratic norms.
The APC in a statement issued by its Abia state caucus on Saturday, February 28,2026, expressed deep shock and disbelief over the Governor’s attack on an innocent working Journalist.
The party also condemned the attempt by Governor Otti to cow Journalists and suppress freedom of press in the state.
“An unfortunate altercation occurred yesterday during Governor Alex Otti’s media chat where a Journalist was verbally attacked for asking questions.bordering on verifiable data of Abia Government’s claims .
“Our Governor must understand that democracy thrives on transparency, accountability anchored on credible data, and mutual respect between public office holders and the media.
“Abia State chapter of the All Progressive Congress strongly frowns at Governor Alex Otti’s troubling conduct during the media engagement yesterday ( Friday) which raises deeper concerns about his temperament and commitment to accountability.
“As members of Fourth Estate of the Realm, Journalists play a critical role in safeguarding democracy. When a Governor reacts harshly to legitimate inquiries, it raises concerns about his openness and respect for democratic principles.
“Abia APC insists that public office holders must be prepared to defend their policies with fact rather than emotion”, the APC stated .
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
