International Press Centre (IPC) and veteran journalist, Richard Akinola II, have demanded an apology from Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for publicly insulting journalist, Chika Nwabueze, of Don Media Group during a media chat.

The incident unfolded at a question-and-answer session organised by the governor.

In a viral social media video, Nwabueze, a senior journalist, asked Otti to provide verifiable data to prove his policies had improved Abia residents’ economic and living conditions beyond infrastructure.

Instead of answering, the governor verbally attacked the journalist, calling him “stupid” and humiliating him publicly, questioning his professional competence.

IPC’s Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, in a statement by the Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, described the reaction as “condescending and unexpected from an elected leader accountable to citizens.”

Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, said: “Mr. Chika was within his constitutional and professional rights to ask the question. Any public figure, especially a duty bearer, should expect scrutiny. This was an opportunity for the governor to detail his performance.”

The IPC-SPJ Hub questioned why Otti held the media chat if he was unwilling to face accountability, urging him to apologise publicly.

The group reminded public officials to uphold high accountability standards.

Echoing this, Akinola, wrote: “Alex Otti, tender an unreserved apology to that journalist for your ‘irresponsible and stupid’ comment. As your fan, I’m terribly disappointed.”

Critics argued that the episode reveals intolerance unfit for leadership. They outlined three leadership principles Otti breached: questions are inherent to public office; scrutiny is non-negotiable; and emotional control defines true leaders, who should respond with facts, not fury.

One commentator said: “Public office is a responsibility, not a throne. Journalists bolster democracy, not threaten it.

“A confident leader counters criticism with evidence; an insecure one attacks the messenger.”

Otti, known for his reformist image, has faced a backlash that undermines his disciplined persona since the video became public.

It was not the first time a public official would attack journalists for asking questions they do not like.

Former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode and David Umahi (while he was governor of Ebonyi State) had verbally attacked journalists in response to questions, but later apologised.

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria’s “Book of Infamy” (also called Book of Accountability for Journalists’ Rights), unveiled in December 2025, names two governors as the first state leaders blacklisted for anti-press actions.

Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger State) was listed for ordering the unconstitutional closure of Badeggi FM radio station in August 2025, accused of inciting violence; IPI appeals were ignored.

Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State) was included for expelling two Channels TV journalists from Government House duties after they reported on a remark by the governor in May 2025. (The Nation)

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