A video has surfaced online showing the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, insulting a journalist during a media chat.
The exchange reportedly occurred during a public parley organised by the state government, where journalists were invited to ask questions about the administration’s performance since Otti assumed office in May 2023.
During the session, a journalist identified as Chika Nwabueze asked the governor to provide verifiable data demonstrating measurable economic and developmental impact beyond ongoing road infrastructure projects.
In response, Otti appeared displeased with the line of questioning, stating that the journalist should already have relevant data as a resident of the state.
“You have not said anything. Do you live in Abia? If you live in Umuahia, you are the one that will provide data,” the governor said.
He added that the forum was intended for serious engagement, not political opposition, and criticised the request for data as inappropriate in the context of the session.
“This media chat is a serious media chat; we are not here to massage opposition. You can’t come to a media chat and ask me to provide data about the measurable impact and work that is being done in the state where you live. It is irresponsible. That we throw this open for people to ask questions doesn’t mean people should be st*pid” he said, trailing off before urging participants to take the engagement seriously.
The video has since generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users defending the governor’s stance, while others argued that public officials should be prepared to provide data-backed assessments of their performance when asked.
See the video here.
