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By Bimbola Oyesola
The International Press Centre (IPC), from its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has condemned what it described as verbal assault on a journalist by Governor Alex Otti, calling for an immediate public apology.
In a press statement issued at the weekend, the IPC-SPJ Hub expressed outrage over the public humiliation of Chika Nwabueze of Don Media Group during a media chat organised by the Abia State governor.
The organisation said the incident raised serious concerns about respect for press freedom and accountability in public office.
According to the statement, the confrontation occurred during a question-and-answer session when the journalist asked the governor to provide verifiable data demonstrating that his policies had improved the economic and living conditions of Abia residents beyond infrastructural development.
Rather than address the question, the governor, IPC said, responded with insults.
The hub stated that, in a viral video circulating on social media, the governor was seen verbally attacking the journalist and referring to him as “stupid,” drawing widespread criticism from media and civil society groups.
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The IPC-SPJ Hub described the governor’s reaction as inappropriate and unbecoming of an elected official.
The organisation stressed that public office holders must be prepared to answer difficult questions, particularly in forums they convene.
“The governor’s angry reaction was very condescending and not expected of an elected leader who has the responsibility to give account to the citizens who voted him into office,” said IPC executive director, Lanre Arogundade, in the statement.
Arogundade further defended the journalist’s conduct, noting that the question posed was within both constitutional and professional boundaries.
He emphasised that journalists have a duty to seek clarification and demand evidence on behalf of the public.
“Mr. Chika was within his constitutional and professional rights as a journalist to ask the governor the question. Any public figure, especially a duty bearer, for that matter, should expect to be subjected to public scrutiny. The journalist’s question was an opportunity for the governor to give further details on his performance,” Arogundade added.
The IPC-SPJ Hub maintained that organising a media chat implies readiness to engage transparently.
“The Governor should not have organised a media chat if he was not willing to subject himself and his administration to public scrutiny,” the statement asserted.
