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The Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has condemned what it described as a verbal assault on a journalist by the Governor of Abia State, Alex C. Otti, during a recent media chat.
In a statement issued on Friday, the IPC-SPJ Hub, press freedom officer, Melody Akinjiyan, expressed concern over the Governor’s reaction to a question posed by Mr. Chika Nwabueze of Don Media Group during the question-and-answer segment of the interactive session.
According to a viral video circulating on social media, the journalist had asked the Governor to provide verifiable data to support claims that his administration’s policies had improved the economic and living conditions of Abia residents beyond infrastructural development. Instead of addressing the substance of the question, Governor Otti reportedly responded by publicly rebuking the journalist and referring to him as “stupid.”
Reacting to the incident, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, described the Governor’s response as “condescending and unbecoming of an elected leader.”
“The Governor’s angry reaction was not expected of a public office holder who has a duty to render account to the citizens who voted him into office,” Arogundade stated. “Mr. Nwabueze acted within his constitutional and professional rights in asking the question. Public officials, particularly those in leadership positions, must be prepared to subject themselves and their policies to scrutiny.”
The IPC-SPJ Hub further maintained that media engagements are designed to promote transparency and accountability, noting that journalists play a critical role in deepening democratic governance by seeking clarity on issues of public interest.
The organisation therefore called on Governor Otti to issue a public apology to the affected journalist, stressing that respect for press freedom and the safety of journalists remains fundamental to Nigeria’s democracy.
IPC also urged all public office holders to maintain decorum in their interactions with the media and to uphold the principles of accountability and openness in governance.
