APC Chieftain Urges Governor Otti to Apologize, Provide Accountability Data

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Paul Ikonne, has called on Governor Alex Chioma Otti of Abia State to tender an unreserved apology to journalist Chika Nwabueze and provide prompt answers to questions on accountability.

Ikonne praised Nwabueze for his courage in raising issues that directly affect the welfare of Abians, saying: “That journalist deserves commendation, not condemnation. It takes fearlessness to demand accountability in an environment where public officials appear uncomfortable with scrutiny.”

The APC leader questioned why Governor Otti had failed to provide data-backed evidence demonstrating how his policies have improved the economic conditions of residents. “As an economist, is he not expected to present verifiable statistics showing the impact of his government on traders in Ariaria, Abia farmers, and the unemployed across the state? Governance is not about rhetoric; it is about measurable outcomes,” Ikonne said.

He described the governor’s actions as unbecoming of a public servant, warning that they echoed dictatorial tendencies. “It is deeply troubling that instead of answering legitimate questions, the Otti administration resorted to personal attacks. In a democracy, leaders must tolerate scrutiny rather than silencing dissenting voices,” Ikonne added.

Ikonne also challenged Governor Otti to stop distractions and present the renovated schools and projects funded with N54 billion, asserting that the administration risks misleading Abians or is unaware of what it is approving.

The comments follow the APC’s earlier condemnation of Governor Otti’s verbal assault on Nwabueze of Don Media Group during a recent media chat, when the journalist asked the governor to provide verifiable data supporting claims of improved living standards in the state.