By Our Correspondent
Umuahia, Abia State – Don Media Group has defended its journalist following Governor Alex Otti’s sharp reaction to a question posed during his monthly media chat, describing attempts to politicize the exchange as unwarranted and misleading.
The controversy arose when Chika Nwabueze, a journalist with Don Media Group, asked the governor to provide verifiable data showing how his administration’s policies have directly improved the standard of living of Abia residents.
“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 journalist asked.
Governor Otti responded forcefully, criticizing the question and describing it as “irresponsible” and “stupid.”
“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,” the governor said.
He further emphasized that his administration is focused on delivering campaign promises rather than engaging in what he implied were politically driven narratives.
Don Media Group Reacts
In a statement titled “Don Media Group Defends Journalistic Independence, Rejects Unwarranted Political Imputations,” and signed by its Managing Director, Alozie Uzoukwu, the organization strongly rejected suggestions that the journalist’s question was sponsored or politically motivated.
“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 statement read.
The media organization described the question as legitimate, professional, and consistent with the constitutional responsibility of journalists to seek accountability from public office holders.
“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,” the statement continued.
Don Media Group stressed that it operates with strict editorial independence and that its journalists are not proxies for any political interest, including its ownership or any socio-civic movement.
“Any attempt to attribute the professional conduct of our journalists to ownership affiliations is incorrect, unfair, and undermines the integrity of independent journalism,” the statement added.
The organization also maintained that media chats are platforms designed to promote transparency and accountability, not endorsement ceremonies.
The exchange has since generated debate within Abia’s political and media space, with stakeholders weighing in on issues of press freedom, public accountability, and the tone of engagement between government officials and the media.
As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State Government had not issued any additional clarification regarding the governor’s remarks.
