The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abia State chapter, has berated Governor Alex Otti over an alleged attack on a journalist in Umuahia.
The journalist, Chika Nwabueze, of Don Media, Umuahia, had, during a media briefing in Umuahia, requested that the Governor provide empirical evidence of the impact of governance on citizens of the state.
However, the Governor described the inquiry as stupid, accusing the journalist of belonging to the opposition.
Reacting to the development, State Chairman of the PDP, Elder Abraham Amah, in a statement, explained
The PDP is concerned about comments attributed to the Governor, in which he allegedly insulted a journalist for asking a question about the data and measurable outcomes of government policies as they affect the lives of ordinary citizens of the state.
The party stated that there is nothing improper, offensive, or unintelligent about a journalist requesting empirical evidence of governance outcomes, stressing that such questions lie at the very heart of responsible journalism and democratic accountability.
The PDP added that the media is a constitutionally recognised institution whose duty is to ask questions on behalf of the people.
It urged the Governor to offer a public apology to the journalist, the media organisation he represents, and the people of the State, adding that such an apology will reaffirm respect for press freedom, strengthen democratic norms, and restore confidence in the maturity of governance.
The statement read, “We state clearly that there is nothing improper, offensive, or unintelligent about a journalist requesting empirical evidence of governance outcomes. Such questions lie at the very heart of responsible journalism and democratic accountability.
“In a constitutional democracy, public office holders are accountable to the people, and governance is properly assessed not by rhetoric or self-appraisal but by verifiable data that speaks to employment creation, healthcare delivery, educational outcomes, infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and general improvement in living standards.
“When legitimate questions are met with personal attacks rather than facts, it diminishes public discourse, erodes confidence in leadership, and projects intolerance for accountability.
“An attack on a journalist for performing this duty is an affront not only to the individual concerned but also to the media organisation he represents and to the people of the state whose interests he sought to articulate.
“Leadership demands composure, humility, and respect for institutions, especially when confronted with scrutiny.
“The Abia PDP calls on the Governor to put his temperament in check, rise to the responsibility of his office, and offer a public apology to the journalist concerned, the media organisation he represents, and the people of Abia State.
“Such an apology will reaffirm respect for press freedom, strengthen democratic norms, and restore confidence in the maturity of governance in our state. We further urge the Governor to respond to public inquiries with verifiable data and calm confidence, as transparency and accountability remain the true measures of leadership.”
