Otti, off the handle
Power intoxicates. Or how else does one explain the rage into which Abia State Governor Alex Otti flew when asked a question – harmless or malicious – about his stewardship?
Power intoxicates. Or how else does one explain the rage into which Abia State Governor Alex Otti flew when asked a question – harmless or malicious – about his stewardship?
The governor, who has a background as a journalist and was an editorial board member at a frontline national daily, holds a monthly media chat ostensibly to allow for public scrutiny and promote transparency of his stewardship. Only that even good intentions have tolerance limits, as shown in a video that lately ran viral online.
At the February edition of the media chat in Umuahia, the Abia capital, his excellency was asked by a journalist to provide empirical data of the impact of his governance on state residents. Chika Nwabueze, who works for Don Media Group, tried to massage Otti’s ego before slipping in the bitter pill. “Your Excellency, your administration has received praise for infrastructure projects and reforms,” he said, adding: “But critics say transparency and inclusive governance need improvement. Can you provide verifiable data showing how your policies have directly improved the standard of living of Abia people?”
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That question touched off a sore spot in Mr. Governor and he gave the journalist a dressing down. “You’ve not said anything. Do you live in Abia? Since you live in Umuahia, you should be the one to provide data,” he began, adding: “This is a serious media chat. We are not here to massage opposition. You cannot come to my media chat and ask me to provide data about the measurable impact of work being done in the state where you live. It is irresponsible. Just because we open this forum for questions doesn’t mean people should be stupid.”
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The governor said his focus was on delivering his campaign promises rather than providing detailed data on government projects. “Let’s take this seriously. Speech is free, but when you come to my media chat you must be prepared. If you don’t have a question, don’t raise your hand,” he quipped.
The journalist wasn’t cowed and he rephrased his question, to the same inquiry effect. In responding, Governor Otti claimed that state residents could feel tangible changes – among them improved roads, functional primary healthcare centres, enhanced public transport and elements of free education. He questioned why the journalist had not acknowledged these directly from his own experience.
Subsequent reports suggested that Otti’s irritation arose from Nwabueze working for a media establishment owned by Mayor Lucky Igbokwe popularly called Don Lulu, a stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is also the Abia director of the City Boy Movement. Otti is of Labour Party (LP), and he apparently perceived the question as an opposition attempt to embarrass him.
But that is because his excellency lacks emotional control to allow journalists of all shades do their work. And his choice of words! He should apologise to the journalist, the media and the public as had been severally urged.
