The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has condemned what it described as a recent verbal assault on journalist Chika Nwabueze of Don Media Group by the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

In a statement, the IPC said Nwabueze was publicly insulted and humiliated by the governor during a question-and-answer session at a media chat organised by the state government.

According to the Centre, a viral video circulating on social media showed the journalist asking the governor to provide verifiable data to support claims that his administration’s policies had improved the economic and living conditions of Abia residents beyond infrastructural development. Rather than address the question, Governor Otti allegedly responded by verbally attacking the journalist and referring to him as “stupid.”

The IPC maintained that Nwabueze acted within his constitutional and professional rights by posing the question, stressing that public office holders should expect scrutiny from the media and the public.

“The journalist’s question provided an opportunity for the governor to further elaborate on his administration’s performance,” the Centre stated, adding that any public figure, particularly an elected official, has a duty to be accountable to the citizens.

Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, described the governor’s reaction as condescending and unbecoming of an elected leader entrusted with the responsibility of giving account to the electorate.

The IPC-SPJ Hub further stated that the governor should not have convened a media chat if he was unwilling to subject himself and his administration to public scrutiny.

Arogundade called on Governor Otti to publicly apologise to the affected journalist for what he termed unwarranted insults and reminded all public office holders to always be prepared to answer questions and be held accountable.