Abuja, March 1, 2026 –
The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has strongly condemned Abia State Governor Alex Otti for verbally abusing a journalist during a recent media chat, describing his behavior as “arrogant, rude, and unprofessional.”
The incident involved Chika Nwabueze of Don Media Group, who asked Governor Otti to provide verifiable data showing how his administration’s policies have improved the living standards of ordinary Abians beyond infrastructure projects like road construction.
Instead of addressing the question, Governor Otti reacted angrily, calling the journalist “stupid” and challenging him over his question. At one point, Otti asked, “Do you live in Abia?” When Nwabueze confirmed he resides in Umuahia, the governor shot back, “If you live in Umuahia, you are the one that will provide data.”
He continued, “You can’t come to a media chat asking me for measurable impacts on work being done in the state where you live. That is irresponsible. If you can’t feel what is happening in your state, then I’m sorry, I can’t help you.”
Despite repeated attempts by the journalist to get a clear answer, the governor insisted that his role was to deliver on promises and that journalists should evaluate impacts themselves, citing improvements such as new roads, health centres, and electric buses.
Reacting to the incident, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, National President of the OYC, expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing that a leader must remain composed and respectful under public scrutiny.
“Governor Otti erred in his conduct,” Igboayaka said, describing the journalist’s question as intelligent and professionally framed. “Democratic leadership demands openness to questioning and accountability. Press conferences are meant to encourage transparency, not hostility.”
The OYC leader stressed that governance performance must be assessed beyond visible infrastructure, focusing instead on poverty reduction, education, healthcare, job creation, technological training, and security.
Igboayaka also urged the governor to prioritize transformative economic initiatives, including dredging potential seaports at Azumini Blue Sea and Obeaku in Ukwa East, saying such projects could lift over one million residents out of poverty and reduce unemployment and crime in Abia State.
He concluded, “Aba should be the Japan of Igboland. Functional seaports would be a defining achievement that truly demonstrates the governor’s performance credentials.”
