BREAKING! International Press Centre Slams Otti Over Attack on Journalists, Demands Public Apology
..the governor’s reaction to scrutiny shows he has a skeleton in his cupboard
. Any public servant who cannot face scrutiny is not worthy of his office.
The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned the unwarranted verbal assault on an Abia-based journalist Chika Nwabueze of Don Media Group by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, calling the journalist “Stupid and irresponsible” during a media chat held in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, and signed by the Press Freedom Officer of IPC’s Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, Melody Akinjiyan, the organisation criticised the governor’s conduct during a question-and-answer session, where the journalist was insulted after requesting data to support claims of improved living standards in the state.
Reacting to the incident, IPC said the governor’s response undermined democratic accountability and press freedom.
The Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, stated, “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.”
He added, “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.”
The organisation maintained that public officials must be willing to face scrutiny, particularly during media engagements designed to promote transparency.
“IPC-SPJ Hub is of the firm opinion that 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 said.
The organisation called on Governor Otti to issue a public apology to the journalist, describing the insults as unwarranted and unacceptable.
“IPC-SPJ Hub is therefore calling on the Governor of Abia to publicly apologise to the affected journalist for hurling unwarranted insults on him,” the statement added.
The organisation also reminded public office holders across the country of their obligation to uphold accountability and respect press freedom at all times, stressing that journalists play a critical role in democratic governance by asking questions on behalf of citizens.
