Ikonne Asks Abia Governor Alex Otti To Apologise Over Clash With Journalist

All Progressives Congress chieftain Paul Ikonne has called on Abia State Governor Alex Otti to apologise over what he described as an attack on a journalist during a recent media briefing.

Ikonne, a former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), made the demand in a statement issued on Sunday through his spokesperson, Chiagoziem Enoch.

The dispute followed a media interaction where Governor Otti reportedly reacted angrily after a journalist asked questions about accountability and the impact of reforms in Abia State. The incident has triggered public criticism, with several Nigerians debating the governor’s conduct.

Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni also condemned the governor’s reaction, adding to wider calls for restraint in how elected officials respond to public scrutiny.

In his response, Ikonne said the governor’s comments were not in line with democratic standards. He said a public office holder, especially one with an economics background, should reply to difficult questions with records and measurable outcomes rather than personal remarks.

Ikonne said, “Governance is not about rhetoric; it is about measurable outcomes.” He also said, “It is deeply troubling that instead of answering legitimate questions, Otti resorted to personal attacks.”

He added that democratic accountability requires leaders to tolerate scrutiny from the media and the public. In his words, “No leader who believes in democratic accountability should insult a journalist or anyone for asking questions.”

Ikonne said Governor Otti should offer an immediate apology to the journalist involved. He maintained that such an apology would help lower political tension and reinforce respect for press freedom in the state.

The incident has remained a talking point in Abia political circles, where disagreements over governance style and public communication have grown sharper in recent months.

Beyond the latest exchange, Ikonne has repeatedly criticised the governor on policy and political issues, including spending priorities and 2027 political alignments in the South-East.

The latest demand for an apology now places renewed attention on the relationship between government officials and journalists in Nigeria, particularly on the expectation that tough questions should be met with evidence-based answers rather than confrontation.