Media Not Abia Govt’s Enemy – Gov Otti

Abia State governor, Alex Otti says the media is not an enemy of the government, describing the media as an indispensable partner in the development of society.

Otti stated this yesterday during the grand finale of the 2026 Press Week of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Umuahia, the state capital.

The governor was represented by the commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, through the permanent secretary of the ministry, Chris Onwuegbu.

He emphasized that his administration had never adopted threats, or intimidation or harassment of journalists as an instrument of governance.

“We recognize the constitutional responsibility of the press and respect the right of journalists to ask difficult questions, scrutinize our actions, and hold us accountable.”

“We therefore invite the NUJ and the entire media community to continue partnering with us in the task of building a better Abia, not by abandoning your world of responsibility.”

In a lecture entitled “Building a new Abia: Media, Democracy and Politics of Development” the deputy vice chancellor, Gregory University, Uturu, Uwaoma Uche, called for media creativity.

“In going forward Abia journalists must embrace ethical journalism and AI adaptability, adapting professional standards, factual verification, and specialized training to combat misinformation in digital spaces.

“The media should engage in development communication where the media carry out development task and advocating societal growth targeting economic, political, and sociocultural.”

According to the deputy vice chancellor, free media has long been recognized as a cornerstone of democracy and plays a key role in influencing political discourse.

‎”Media should promote democracy and not destroy it in the new Abia through their content creations and deliveries but should be harbinger of responsible media, development, democracy and progressive political ecosystem”

‎Delivering his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion and former chief judge of the state, Justice Onuoha Ogwe said a new Abia involves complete turn around in the entire system.

‎He challenged members of the council to be committed to their profession and to be bold enough to hold those in authority accountable whenever they fail such as arriving late at an event.

‎In his address of welcome, the chairman of the council, Chidi Asonye explained that the event is not just a ritual of gathering of the members.

‎”It is a sacred moment for self-examination, for stock taking, and reaffirming our covenant with the people of Abia State and with democracy.”

‎”Our secretariat project remains dear to our hearts. We need a befitting press centre that reflects the status of Abia as God’s own state.”

‎”Today, we shall be appealing to friends of the council, the government, and well-meaning Abians to support us complete this project.

‎”This is why it has become important that we immediately put the deck section to use when doors and windows are fixed.

‎”Our market survey indicates that N70 million will do this job. I appeal to you all to donate generally,” he noted.

In his remarks, the chairman of the Planning Committee of the occasion, Ezeogo Boniface Okoro thanked the guests for their presence, describing the occasion as a huge success.