The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has spoken out over a verbal exchange involving Governor Alex Otti and the Group News Editor of Don FM Umuahia, Mr. Chika Nwabueze, during a recent media session in the state.
The party said it was concerned about the governor’s reaction to the journalist’s question during the media chat held on Friday.
According to the PDP, the journalist was criticised publicly after asking about measurable results of government programmes and how such policies were improving the lives of residents.
The party maintained that journalists have the duty to ask questions on behalf of the public and that there was nothing wrong with seeking evidence-based information about governance performance. It added that professional journalism plays a key role in democratic accountability.
The PDP leadership argued that when public office holders respond to questions with personal attacks instead of providing facts, it weakens public conversation, reduces confidence in leadership, and discourages transparency in government.
The party further stated that attacking a journalist for carrying out his professional responsibility is not only an affront to the individual but also to the media house involved and the people of Abia State who rely on such reporting for information.
The opposition party urged respect for press freedom and advised the governor to respond to public inquiries by presenting verifiable information that can show the impact of government projects and policies.
Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, responded that the journalist should have compared the governor’s performance with the rehabilitated Ohokobo-Afara Road in Umuahia, which the spokesperson said leads directly to the journalist’s residence.