Expert Supports Otti's Media Chat, Critiques Questioning

Chibuzo Okereke, an expert in governance, endorsed Abia State Governor Alex Chioma Otti's monthly media chat as a model for participatory democracy in Nigeria. He highlighted the importance of an open-door media forum that allows for real-time engagement without pre-screened questions, which he believes strengthens democratic culture and public trust.

Okereke's comments followed a controversy regarding the framing of questions by representatives of the Don Media Group during a session in February 2026. He criticized the lack of analytical depth in the questions posed, arguing that they failed to address specific policies or provide baseline data for evaluating socio-economic impacts.

Okereke noted that Otti's intellectual background and professional record enable him to respond effectively to policy inquiries. He urged journalists to focus on evidence-based questions that assess the socio-economic impact of government actions, citing the need for reliable data on unemployment rates, maternal mortality figures, and other critical indicators.