Paul Ikonne, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, has criticised Governor Alex Otti over what he described as an “intemperate and dictatorial” response to a journalist during the governor’s latest media briefing.
Ikonne called on the governor to issue an unreserved public apology and provide clear answers to the accountability questions raised at the session.
During the briefing, the governor reportedly described a question posed by Chika Nwabueze, a journalist, as “irresponsible and stupid.”
The journalist had asked the governor to present verifiable data demonstrating how his administration’s reforms had improved the living standards of residents.
In a statement issued in Abuja by his media aide, Chiagoziem Enoch, Ikonne said the journalist’s question reflected legitimate public concerns about transparency, governance outcomes, and economic impact.
He argued that as an economist, the governor should be able to present measurable indicators showing how policies had benefited traders, farmers and the unemployed, including those operating in places such as the Ariaria International Market.
Ikonne further stated that rising federal allocations and internally generated revenue impose a duty on the government to provide data-driven explanations of spending, job creation, and social investments.
He added that controversies surrounding projects and financial decisions in the state make openness even more necessary, warning that attacking journalists instead of addressing questions undermines democratic accountability.
The APC chieftain insisted that a prompt apology and factual clarification from the governor would help restore public confidence, stressing that Abia citizens “deserve transparency, not intimidation.”
