Gov Otti misses chance to address Abians, turns on journalist

Governor Alex Otti appeared to have forgone vital opportunity to outline his admnistration’s projects to the people of Abia State and the wider public, opting instead to attack a Nigerian journalist who posed a legitimate question during his monthly media chat.

Journalist Chika Nwabueze of Don Media Group had asked, “Your Excellency, your administration has received praise for infrastructure projects and reforms, 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?”

Rather than provide clarification on this, Governor Otti, in the typical manner of many Nigerian politicians, rather chose to denigrate the journalist, describing the question as ‘irresponsible’ and ‘stupid.’

“You’ve not said anything,” Otti responded. “Do you live in Abia? Since you live in Umuahia, you should be the one to provide data. 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 stressed that his focus was on delivering his campaign promises rather than providing 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. What do you want to hear from me?”

Why Otti’s road projects can affect lives

Critics have knocked Governor Otti for missing a crucial opportunity to inform the world about his administration’s performance and how its road programmes and projects have affected the people of Abia State. Good road projects can reduce transport costs and crimes, while also improving the economy.

The World Bank conducted an impact evaluation to measure the socio-economic impacts of its funded municipal road projects on poor rural households in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. After 10 years of study, the results showed positive socio-economic impacts to rural residents.

• Transport quality improved with more choices in modes of transport, while individual car ownership increased as well as bicycle acquisition. Also, there was an increased number of girls attending school (which is expected to contribute to increasing job opportunities for women in the long run), while the projects helped increase the number of agricultural jobs and household income.

The study found that the World Bank’s municipal roads project helped construct 700 concrete bridges and 2,100 culverts crossing rivers and streams, providing year-round access to remote populations that once couldn’t access municipal centers during rainy season.

“This was the type of research reports that the governor should have cited,” said a Professor of Strategy at a South West England, Julius Akpovire.

“Even if you don’t have data, you can theoritically reference the possible economic and social impacts of good roads and bridges. The journalist also mentioned reforms. Aren’t these reforms being trumpeted by the federal government? Why is it a problem at a subnational?” he further asked.

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Criticisms

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, immediately condemned the verbal attack on the journalist, noting that Mr Otti should not have organised media chat if he was not willing to subject himself and his administration to public scrutiny.

“Nwabueze was within his constitutional and professional rights as a journalist to ask the governor the question. Any public figure, especially a duty bearer, for that matter, should expect to be subjected to public scrutiny. The journalist’s question was an opportunity for the governor to give further details on his performance,” IPC said.

According to an Abia State politician, Prince Paul Ikonne, “The journalist demonstrated courage and professionalism by raising issues that directly affect the welfare of Abians. Such questions deserve clear answers, not insults,” Ikonne said.

“As an economist, the governor should be able to present verifiable statistics showing how his policies have impacted traders in Ariaria, farmers across Abia, and unemployed youths. Governance is not about rhetoric; it is about measurable outcomes,” he added.