Facts have emerged explaining why the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, lashed out at a journalist who asked him to provide data showing how his policies have improved the lives of the residents of the state, describing the question as “irresponsible” and “stupid.”
Reliable sources said Governor Otti’s reaction may have been politically motivated, given that the journalist, Chika Nwabueze, works for Don Media Group, owned by Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, popularly called Don Lulu, a stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is also the Abia State Director of the City Boy Movement.
The City Boy Movement is an initiative of Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and National Leader of the APC.
According to a leading opposition politician in the state, Governor Otti may have perceived the question as an attempt to embarrass him, potentially benefiting the radio station owner, who is reported to have mobilised a large number of political elites in support of President Tinubu’s re-election and the governor’s own political ambitions.
During the governor’s monthly media chat, Nwabueze asked: “Your Excellency, your administration has received praise for 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?”
In response, Governor Otti criticised the journalist, saying: “You’ve not said anything. Do you live in Abia? Since you live in Umuahia, you should be the one to provide data. This is a serious media chat. We are not here to massage opposition. You cannot come to my media chat and ask me to provide data about the measurable impact of work being done in the state where you live. It is irresponsible. Just because we open this forum for questions doesn’t mean people should be stupid.”
The governor added that his focus is on delivering his campaign promises rather than providing detailed data on government projects: “Let’s take this seriously. Speech is free, but when you come to my media chat you must be prepared. If you don’t have a question, don’t raise your hand. What do you want to hear from me?”
Meanwhile, Don Media Group, in a statement signed by its Managing Director, Alozie Uzoukwu, and titled: “DON MEDIA GROUP DEFENDS JOURNALISTIC INDEPENDENCE, REJECTS UNWARRANTED POLITICAL IMPUTATIONS”, said: “Don Media Group firmly rejects any suggestion that the question asked by its journalist during the recent media chat with His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, was sponsored, influenced, or intended as a ‘hatchet job’ on behalf of any individual, group, or movement.
“The question posed was legitimate, professional, and fully consistent with the constitutional responsibility of the media to seek clarification on the impact of government policies and projects on the people. This is the essence of accountability journalism and the very purpose of a media chat.
“Don Media Group operates with strict editorial independence. Our journalists perform their duties professionally and are neither proxies nor agents of our Chairman, the City Boy Movement, nor any political or socio-civic organisation. Any attempt to attribute their professional conduct to ownership affiliations is incorrect, unfair, and undermines the integrity of independent journalism.
“We also consider it inappropriate to drag the name of our Chairman or any socio-philanthropic movement into a purely professional journalistic exchange. The growing visibility and public resonance of civic initiatives such as the City Boy Movement reflect legitimate citizen engagement and should not be used as a basis to question the professionalism or independence of media practitioners.
“Media chats are platforms for transparency, not endorsement ceremonies. Journalists must be able to ask questions freely without fear of political misinterpretation or reputational attribution.
“Don Media Group remains committed to responsible journalism, democratic accountability, and constructive engagement with the government in the interest of the people. We will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and will not be deterred in our duty to inform the public truthfully, independently, and without fear or favour.”
