Governor Alex Otti of Abia State had a heated exchange with a journalist during a media chat in Umuahia after he was asked to provide verifiable data to support claims that his administration has improved residents’ lives.
The tense moment occurred when journalist Chika Nwabueze asked the governor to present measurable economic and social impact beyond road construction since he assumed office in May 2023.
Rather than provide specific figures, Otti questioned the premise of the request and challenged the journalist, suggesting that as a resident of the state, he should already have such information.
“You can’t come to a media chat and you are asking me to provide data about the measurable impact and work that is being done in the state where you live. It is irresponsible,” the governor said.
“That we throw this open for people to ask questions doesn’t mean that people should be stupid. Let’s take this seriously.”
Otti further stated that it was not his responsibility to measure the impact of government policies but to deliver on his promises to the people.
“It is not my business to measure the impact of government policies on the people. My business is to deliver on my promises. It is for you, as a journalist, if you are actually one, to find out,” he added.
He also accused the reporter of attempting to use the platform to promote opposition narratives, insisting that the session was a serious engagement and not an avenue to “massage opposition.”
The video of the exchange has since gone viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions. While critics described the governor’s response as dismissive and undemocratic, others defended him, arguing that journalists should come prepared with their own data when questioning public officials.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the governor’s media team nor the journalist had issued an official statement on the incident.
