Prof. Benard Odoh has asked his Media Aide, Charles Otu, to step aside from the role with immediate effect following Otu’s recent public advocacy and criticism of the Governor and the State Government.
Odoh made this known in a statement dated September 8, 2026, explaining that Otu’s recent public activities had created confusion over whether his comments represented Odoh’s position.
According to Odoh, Otu had served as his Media Aide for eight years and had carried out his duties with “commitment, loyalty and professionalism.”
However, he said Otu had recently become more involved in public advocacy and commentary on issues he felt strongly about, including criticisms of the Governor and the State Government.
Odoh said the development had led some people to assume that Otu’s comments were being made on his behalf.
“I wish to make it unequivocally clear that these activities and commentaries are undertaken by Charles entirely in his personal capacity and according to his own convictions,” he said.
He added that Otu’s continued role as his Media Aide while engaging in independent public advocacy could create a conflict of interest and lead to further public misunderstanding.
“Accordingly, after careful consideration and in the best interest of all concerned, I have asked Charles to step aside from his role as my Media Aide with immediate effect,” Odoh stated.
The professor stressed that the decision was not intended as punishment or a rejection of Otu’s views.
“I must emphasise that this decision is neither punitive nor a repudiation of Charles, his convictions or his right to freely express them,” he said.
Odoh said the move was aimed at maintaining clear professional boundaries and allowing Otu to pursue his views independently without his comments being linked to Odoh.
He also expressed appreciation for Otu’s eight years of service and wished him well in his future activities.
The development follows Otu’s recent public activities and comments concerning the Governor and the Ebonyi State Government.
In April, Otu spoke during a protest by residents of Afikpo over the area’s prolonged electricity blackout, where he called for accountability from elected representatives and backed the community’s “No light, no vote” position.
He also criticised repeated promises to restore electricity, including a 2019 assurance that failed to produce the expected result.
Going forward, Odoh advised the media and members of the public to regard any statement or public intervention by Otu as his personal position unless it is expressly communicated through Odoh’s authorised channels.
