The Director of ABN TV, Ifeanyi Okali, has issued a strong public clarification following what he described as a “false, defamatory and malicious” publication authored by one Dodo Okafor.
In a detailed statement released within 24 hours of the controversial article’s circulation, Okali refuted allegations that his media organisation manipulated footage from a recent media chat hosted by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
The dispute centers on a highlight clip titled, “Governor Alex Otti Clashes with Journalist Over Measurable Impact at February Media Chat,” which ABN TV extracted from the live broadcast of the governor’s media engagement.
According to Okali, the event was aired live across more than 15 radio, television, and online platforms, with ABN TV being just one of the participating stations. He explained that extracting short highlight clips from lengthy broadcasts is standard global media practice aimed at helping audiences easily digest key moments.
“ABN TV did not manipulate any video. ABN TV did not distort any statement. ABN TV aired the event live in full and merely extracted highlights as is standard practice,” he stated.
Okali described claims branding him as a partisan “stenographer masquerading as a journalist” as reckless and defamatory. He emphasized that ABN TV, which operates in Abia, Abuja, and Lagos, has built its reputation over nearly 15 years on credibility and audience trust rather than political patronage.
He also raised concerns over the alleged amplification of the defamatory publication on official government communication platforms, questioning the verification processes before such materials are shared publicly. He noted that after reaching out, the Chief Press Secretary and the Commissioner for Information reportedly pulled down the publication and issued an apology.
The ABN TV director further recalled a previous incident in November involving a reported security matter in Aba, where he claimed similar accusations of “fake news” were made against the platform. He said security agencies later confirmed the report, and the matter was resolved in the interest of peace.
Reaffirming his organisation’s stance, Okali maintained that journalism is not about personal vendettas or political warfare but about reporting events as they occur. He vowed that ABN TV would continue to operate professionally and would address defamatory claims within the bounds of the law.
“Professional journalism will always outlive propaganda,” he concluded, stressing that the station remains committed to serving the public interest.
