A video capturing the moment Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, lashed out at a journalist during a media parley has gone viral on social media.
The exchange occurred when journalist Chika Nwabueze stood up to ask the governor to provide verifiable data demonstrating economic and measurable impact in Abia State beyond road infrastructure projects since assuming office in May 2023.
Nwabueze specifically requested data to support claims of broader economic and developmental progress in the state.
Governor Otti appeared irritated by the question and pushed back, arguing that the journalist should already have access to relevant data before posing such a query.
“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 continued, “The point is that this media chat is a serious media chat; we are not here to massage opposition. 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. That we throw this open for people to ask questions doesn’t mean that people should be stupid. Let’s take this seriously.”
The incident has since sparked conversations online about accountability, media engagement, and the tone of public discourse between elected officials and journalists.
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