A routine media interaction in Abia State erupted into controversy after Governor Alex Otti sharply rebuked a journalist who requested verifiable data on how his administration’s policies have improved the standard of living of residents.
What began as a question on governance and transparency has since spiraled into a broader political debate, with allegations of partisan undertones linked to the City Boy Movement.
The Question That Sparked It
During the governor’s monthly media chat, journalist Chika Nwabueze of Don Media Group asked:
“Your Excellency, your administration has received praise for infrastructure projects and reforms, but critics say transparency and inclusive governance need improvement. Can you provide verifiable data showing how your policies have directly improved the standard of living of Abia people?”
The question, framed around accountability and measurable impact, appeared to unsettle the governor.
In response, Otti fired back:
“You’ve not said anything. Do you live in Abia? Since you live in Umuahia, you should be the one to provide data. This is a serious media chat. We are not here to massage opposition. You cannot come to my media chat and ask me to provide data about the measurable impact of work being done in the state where you live. It is irresponsible. Just because we open this forum for questions doesn’t mean people should be stupid.”
He continued:
“Let’s take this seriously. Speech is free, but when you come to my media chat you must be prepared. If you don’t have a question, don’t raise your hand. What do you want to hear from me?”
Political Undercurrents?
Following the exchange, sources within the state’s political space suggested the governor’s reaction may have been influenced by perceived political affiliations.
Nwabueze works for Don Media Group, owned by Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, popularly known as Don Lulu, an APC stakeholder who also serves as the Abia State Director of the City Boy Movement.
According to a leading opposition politician in the state, the governor may have interpreted the question as an attempt to embarrass him — potentially benefiting the station’s owner, who is reportedly mobilizing political elites in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and the governor’s own political ambitions.
Although no direct evidence has been presented to support claims of sponsorship or political orchestration, the incident has amplified conversations about media independence and political sensitivity in the state.
Don Media Group Breaks Silence
In a strongly worded statement titled “DON MEDIA GROUP DEFENDS JOURNALISTIC INDEPENDENCE, REJECTS UNWARRANTED POLITICAL IMPUTATIONS”, and signed by its Managing Director, Alozie Uzoukwu, the organization dismissed suggestions that the question was politically motivated.
The statement read:
“Don Media Group firmly rejects any suggestion that the question asked by its journalist during the recent media chat with His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, was sponsored, influenced, or intended as a ‘hatchet job’ on behalf of any individual, group, or movement.
“The question posed was legitimate, professional, and fully consistent with the constitutional responsibility of the media to seek clarification on the impact of government policies and projects on the people. This is the essence of accountability journalism and the very purpose of a media chat.
“Don Media Group operates with strict editorial independence. Our journalists perform their duties professionally and are neither proxies nor agents of our Chairman, the City Boy Movement, nor any political or socio-civic organization. Any attempt to attribute their professional conduct to ownership affiliations is incorrect, unfair, and undermines the integrity of independent journalism.
“We also consider it inappropriate to drag the name of our Chairman or any socio-philanthropic movement into a purely professional journalistic exchange. The growing visibility and public resonance of civic initiatives such as the City Boy Movement reflect legitimate citizen engagement and should not be used as a basis to question the professionalism or independence of media practitioners.
“Media chats are platforms for transparency, not endorsement ceremonies. Journalists must be able to ask questions freely without fear of political misinterpretation or reputational attribution.
“Don Media Group remains committed to responsible journalism, democratic accountability, and constructive engagement with the government in the interest of the people. We will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and will not be deterred in our duty to inform the public truthfully, independently, and without fear or favor.”
A Wider Debate on Accountability
The incident has triggered debate within Abia’s political and media communities over the boundaries between governance, political rivalry, and press freedom.
While the governor’s supporters argue that the question was framed to provoke, media advocates insist that requests for measurable data on government performance fall squarely within the responsibilities of accountability journalism.
As the controversy unfolds, the episode underscores the increasingly delicate intersection of politics, civic movements, and media scrutiny in Abia State.
