Uphold objectivity, defend press freedom, Otti’s aide urges journalists

Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti,  has urged journalists in the state to uphold objectivity in their reportage as they discharge their professional duties.

Ajagba gave the charge on Wednesday during an interaction with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia State Council, in Umuahia.

He said the Abia State Government, under Otti, would not suppress the truth but would support media practitioners to carry out their duties diligently, stressing that the administration’s stance on press freedom is sacrosanct.

He said, “We are not telling you to suppress the truth. If you see what is not going well in this administration, don’t keep quiet.

“The governor will never tell you to do that. Doing so means gagging the press, and society will not be better for it. So, we want you to remain objective in your reportage.

“The media is the platform to hold leadership at all levels accountable—whether in government, business, or communities. People have a tendency to do whatever they like and get away with it. The press has been a pivotal partner in restoring sanity and orderliness in society.

“With your oversight function and the way you look at issues from different angles, it can really help us as a government to do better.”

The Chief of Staff attributed the ongoing transformation in the state to deliberate efforts by Otti to institutionalise good governance, noting that the administration’s policies were already positioning Abia as a reference point for other states.

“What is happening today in Abia State has become a model for other states,” Ajagba said, expressing optimism that the pace of development would accelerate in the coming months.

He also noted a growing influx of people into the state, describing it as evidence of renewed confidence.

“You would have noticed an upsurge in the number of people coming into Abia State. This is why there is an increase in house rent. It is a reflection of ongoing development. Development comes at a cost,” he said.

Ajagba contrasted the current situation with the past, adding, “Before now, Umuahia was underdeveloped. But suddenly, the value of properties has gone up. That tells you that good things are happening in Abia. By the time Governor Otti completes his first term and, by God’s grace, secures another, Abia will be on top.”

He described the scale and speed of development in the state as remarkable, attributing it to a combination of human effort and divine support.

“If you look at the transformation that has happened within this space of time, you will be amazed. Many people will not even believe what they are seeing.

“All these things are happening in less than 36 months. Many people say it is miraculous. Nobody can do this kind of thing except God empowers him,” he said.

On governance priorities, Ajagba emphasised the administration’s focus on workers’ welfare and institutional reforms.

“Governor Alex Otti is passionate about excellence and the welfare of the workforce. That is why one of the first things he did on assumption of office was to declare a state of emergency in critical sectors, including the welfare of civil servants.

“He has also introduced measures to support the elderly in society,” he added.

Ajagba commended the leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel for “leading by example” and urged journalists to continue to highlight the achievements of the state government.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Steve Oko, reaffirmed the commitment of journalists in Abia to their constitutional role of holding government accountable.

Oko acknowledged the developmental strides of the Otti administration and urged the governor to sustain the momentum.

He assured that the media would continue to highlight efforts aimed at improving the lives of the people in the state.