‘Irresponsible and stupid’ – Otti rubbishes journalist over demand for economic impact data

Otti

Alex Otti, governor of Abia, has rebuked a journalist during his monthly media chat in Umuahia, the state capital, on Friday.

The governor dismissed a question on verifiable data for measurable socio-economic improvements under his administration as irresponsible and poorly prepared.

The tense exchange occurred at the February edition of the governor’s regular engagement with journalists, broadcast live to residents of Abia state and beyond. Chika Nwabueze, a journalist with the BON media group, asked Otti to provide concrete, quantifiable evidence — beyond visible infrastructure projects such as road rehabilitation to demonstrate how his policies since May 2023 had tangibly enhanced the economic conditions and living standards of residents.

In response, Otti challenged the journalist’s premise, pointing out that as a resident of Abia, he should personally observe and possess such data.

“You have not said anything. Do you live in Abia? So if you live in Umuahia, you are the one that will provide data,” the governor said.

He described the media chat as a “serious” platform not intended to “massage opposition,” adding that open questioning does not permit unprepared or what he termed frivolous inquiries.

“You can’t come to a media chat and ask me to provide data about measurable impact on work that is being done in the state that you live in. It’s irresponsible,” Otti said.

“That we throw this open for people to ask questions doesn’t mean that people should be stupid, so let’s take this very seriously. When you come to my media chat, you must be prepared; if you don’t have a question then you don’t raise your hand.”

The governor pointed to tangible changes residents could “feel”, including improved roads, functional primary healthcare centres, enhanced public transport, and elements of free education, questioning why the journalist could not acknowledge these directly in his own experience. Thecable