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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State chapter, Prince Paul Ikonne, has condemned Governor Alex Otti over what he described as “dictatorial outburst” against a journalist during a recent monthly media briefing in the state.
The APC chieftain requested Governor Otti to tender an unreserved apology to the journalist, and quickly provide answers to the question concerning accountability asked by the journalist.
The Abia governor had, in a media chat, last week, described a question directed to him as “irresponsible” and “stupid, lashing out at a journalist at the event for asking the question.
While reacting to the development through a statement by his media aide, Chiagoziem Enoch, yesterday, in Abuja, Prince Ikonne expressed grave concern over the incident in which Governor Otti reportedly called a journalist “irresponsible” for asking an important questions regarding the measurable impact of his administration on the people of Abia State.
Ikonne noted that; “the journalist demonstrated courage, professionalism, and boldness by raising issues that directly concern the welfare of Abians.”
“That journalist deserves commendation, not condemnation. It takes fearlessness to demand accountability in an environment where public officials appear uncomfortable with scrutiny,” he noted.
Ikonne further questioned why Governor Otti, as an acclaimed seasoned economist, failed to provide data-backed evidence to demonstrate how his policies have improved the economic conditions of citizens.
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“As an economist, is he not supposed to have verifiable statistics and empirical data showing the impact of his government on traders in Ariaria, Abia farmers, and unemployed across the state? Governance is not about rhetoric; it is about measurable outcomes,” he stated.
He further argued that with the huge sums of money accruing to Abia State from federal allocations and internally generated revenue, the government owes citizens transparent, data-driven explanations on how those funds have translated into tangible improvements.
“Have traders experienced lower taxation burdens? Are there job creation opportunities as a result of his policies? Where are the 200 health centres and how many jobs were created?” Ikonne noted.
He also linked the governor’s reaction to the lingering controversies, including the smart school saga, allegations surrounding recreational centre funds reportedly written off and the photocopy machine error. He maintained that these issues heightened, rather than diminished, the fact that Otti’s administration is more concerned with social media activity rather than providing verifiable development.
“It is deeply troubling that instead of answering legitimate questions, the Otti resorted to personal attacks. Such conduct mirrors dictatorial tendencies, where dissenting voices are silenced rather than engaged. In a democracy, leaders must tolerate scrutiny,” Ikonne asserted.
Demanding an immediate public apology from Governor Otti to the journalist involved, and at the same time providing answers to questions asked, he warned that failure to do so would further reinforce perceptions of intolerance, authoritarianism, and a failed government in the state.
“No leader who believes in democratic accountability should insult a journalist or anyone for asking questions. Governor Otti must apologise immediately. His reaction was unbecoming of a public servant and dangerously reminiscent of dictatorial behaviour. Abia deserves transparency, not intimidation,” Ikonne emphasised.
