Otti’s Chief of Staff Urges Journalists to Uphold Objectivity, Reaffirms Commitment to Good Governance

The Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, has called on journalists in the state to maintain objectivity and professionalism in their reportage, stressing the importance of a free and responsible press in deepening democracy.

Ajagba made the appeal on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, during an interaction with members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, in Umuahia.

He emphasised that the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains committed to press freedom and would never suppress the truth. According to him, the media plays a vital role in promoting transparency and holding leaders accountable.

“We are not asking you to hide the truth. If something is not going well, speak up. The Governor will never direct you to suppress facts because that would amount to gagging the press, which does not benefit society,” Ajagba said.

He described the media as a critical partner in governance, noting that its oversight function helps ensure accountability across all sectors.

Highlighting ongoing developments in the state, Ajagba attributed the transformation in Abia to deliberate efforts by Governor Otti to institutionalise good governance. He noted that the administration’s policies are already positioning the state as a model for others.

“What is happening in Abia today is becoming a reference point for other states,” he said, expressing confidence that the pace of development would continue to accelerate.

Ajagba also pointed to the increasing influx of people into the state as evidence of renewed confidence, linking it to rising property values and economic activity.

“The increase in house rent reflects the level of development taking place. Growth often comes with such changes,” he noted, adding that areas like Umuahia are witnessing significant improvement compared to previous years.

He described the scale of progress within a short period as remarkable, attributing it to a combination of effective leadership and divine support.

On governance priorities, Ajagba highlighted the administration’s focus on workers’ welfare and institutional reforms. He noted that Governor Otti had declared a state of emergency in critical sectors upon assuming office, particularly in improving the welfare of civil servants, while also introducing initiatives to support the elderly.

The Chief of Staff commended the leadership of the Correspondents Chapel for its professionalism and encouraged journalists to continue reporting the government’s achievements responsibly.

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

While acknowledging the developmental strides of the Otti administration, Oko urged the government to sustain the momentum and assured that the media would continue to highlight efforts aimed at improving the lives of the people.