IPC Condemns Abia Governor's Verbal Assault on Journalist
By Chizoba Njaka
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has strongly condemned the verbal assault on Chika Nwabueze, a journalist with Don Media Group, who was publicly insulted and humiliated by Abia State Governor, Alex C. Otti, during a question-and-answer session at a media chat organized by the Governor.
An official statement signed by Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer of the IPC-SPJ Hub, referenced a viral social media video in which the journalist sought verifiable data from the Governor to substantiate claims that his policies had improved the economic and living conditions of Abia State's residents, beyond infrastructural developments. Instead of addressing the query, the Governor reportedly launched a personal attack, publicly humiliating the journalist and labeling him "stupid."
The IPC-SPJ Hub maintains that the Governor should not have hosted the media chat if he was unprepared to subject his administration to public scrutiny.
IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, stated: “The Governor’s angry reaction was highly condescending and unbecoming of an elected leader with a duty to account to the citizens who entrusted him with office.”
He added: “Mr. Chika was fully within his constitutional and professional rights to pose the question. Public officials, particularly duty bearers, must anticipate scrutiny, and the journalist's inquiry presented an opportunity for the Governor to elaborate on his administration's performance.”
The IPC-SPJ Hub urged the Abia State Governor to issue a public apology to the affected journalist for the unwarranted insults. It further reminds all public office holders to uphold the highest standards of accountability at all times.