The International Press Centre (IPC) has denounced what it described as a verbal attack on journalist Chika Nwabueze by Abia State Governor Alex C. Otti during a recent media briefing.
Nwabueze had requested verifiable evidence demonstrating how the governor’s policies have improved the state’s economy and residents’ living standards beyond infrastructural projects. Rather than addressing the question, Governor Otti reportedly lashed out at the journalist and told him to “shut up.”
Reacting to the incident, IPC Executive Director Lanre Arogundade stated that the governor’s reaction was inappropriate and condescending, stressing that elected officials have a duty to provide accountability to the citizens who entrusted them with power.
Arogundade 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, should expect to be subjected to public scrutiny.”
The IPC is calling on Governor Otti to publicly apologise to Nwabueze and reminds all public office holders to be accountable and prepared for scrutiny.
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