The media team of DESOPADEC Chairman, John Nani, on Wednesday came down hard on journalist Akpovoke Otiti over a call for his resignation, describing the move as “reckless, unethical and politically coloured.”
Otiti, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ughelli Correspondents Chapel, had reportedly urged Nani to step down as Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission over alleged 2027 senatorial ambition.
But in a strongly worded statement, Nani’s media team said the call lacked factual basis and violated core journalistic principles of fairness, objectivity and balance.
“It is curious that a journalist who should be guided by verifiable facts would base a public call on mere rumours and political conjecture,” the statement read.
The team maintained that Nani had not formally declared any intention to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat in 2027, insisting that Otiti’s দাবি was speculative and misleading.
It accused the journalist of abandoning professional neutrality and engaging in subtle political advocacy under the guise of public commentary.
According to the statement, Otiti’s write-up appeared to promote another unnamed aspirant, raising concerns about hidden interests.
“A journalist cannot, on one hand, pretend to demand accountability, and on the other, subtly campaign for a preferred candidate. That is not journalism; it is partisan messaging dressed in media clothing,” the team stated.
The media team described the publication as “agenda-driven,” warning that such conduct could erode public trust in the media.
It further questioned Otiti’s moral standing to demand accountability, stressing that credibility in public discourse must be anchored on integrity, verification and fairness.
“Moral authority is not self-assumed. It is built on consistency and respect for truth. Unfortunately, Comrade Otiti’s statement falls far short,” it added.
Defending Nani’s position, the team said there was no legal or ethical breach in his continued stay in office, noting that no public official could be forced to resign based on rumours or political speculation.
“Public office holders cannot be compelled to resign based on the imagination of politically exposed commentators,” the statement said.
The team urged members of the NUJ and other media practitioners to uphold professional standards and resist being used for political agendas.
It warned that continued disregard for ethics could damage the credibility of journalism in Delta State and beyond.
Reaffirming Nani’s focus, the media team said the DESOPADEC boss remains committed to delivering development to oil-producing communities across the state.
