NEWS
Dr. Ogugbuaja Fires Back at Critics, Defends Prince Okey Kanu’s Role in Gov. Otti’s “Transformational Government”
A strong defense of the administration of Governor Alex Otti and the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, has emerged following what was described as a “misleading and politically motivated” attack against the state government’s communication machinery.
In a detailed response titled “Good Leadership and Governance Series”, media scholar and public affairs commentator, Dr. Charles Ogugbuaja, launched a blistering counterattack against an unnamed social media writer whom he accused of ignorance, poor understanding of governance, and deliberate attempts to tarnish the image of the Abia State Government.
Ogugbuaja maintained that the current administration under Governor Alex Otti has continued to distinguish itself through what he described as prudent management of state resources, infrastructural transformation, and human capital development, insisting that the achievements recorded within three years of the administration remain unprecedented in the history of the state since 1999.
According to him, critics attacking members of the governor’s cabinet, especially Prince Okey Kanu, are either uninformed or acting out scripts sponsored by political interests threatened by the growing popularity of the government.
He argued that Governor Otti’s leadership style is anchored on meritocracy, competence, and performance, stressing that the governor carefully selected individuals with proven capacity and professional excellence to drive his administration’s vision.
Ogugbuaja further stated that Prince Okey Kanu was not appointed by accident, noting that the commissioner had long demonstrated intelligence, administrative capacity, and professionalism, particularly from his days in the banking sector where he reportedly built a strong reputation.
Describing Kanu as calm, disciplined, hardworking, and highly effective in communication management, the writer praised the commissioner’s role in projecting government policies and keeping Abians informed through regular media engagements.
He clarified that Prince Kanu heads only the Ministry of Information and not the Culture Ministry, contrary to claims allegedly made by the critic. He explained that government activities are handled through clearly defined portfolios without interference or overlap among commissioners.
Ogugbuaja also highlighted the commissioner’s weekly media engagements, especially the Tuesday radio interactive programme aired on the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State and other stations across the state, where government policies, projects, and public concerns are discussed live with citizens.
The commentator equally credited Prince Kanu and the governor’s media team for conceptualizing and packaging the monthly “Gov Otti Speaks to Abians” media chat held at the Government House in Umuahia, describing it as one of the administration’s most impactful communication platforms.
Using a popular Igbo proverb about earning the title of a lion killer through proven exploits, Dr. Ogugbuaja questioned why critics continue to dismiss the contributions of the information commissioner despite what he described as visible results in government communication and public engagement.
He concluded that Prince Okey Kanu remains an integral part of the success story of Governor Alex Otti’s administration and warned critics against what he called deliberate misinformation aimed at undermining the achievements of the government.
Dr. Charles Ogugbuaja, who authored the response, described himself as an advocate of good governance and leadership, as well as a committed supporter of the ongoing reforms and development initiatives in Abia State under Governor Alex Otti.