The Taraba State House of Assembly and a local advocacy organization have issued strong denials regarding viral reports that the Speaker of the House, John Bonzena, gave a mere N1,000 each to his constituents as a Christmas gift. The controversy erupted over the weekend following claims of dissatisfaction among some women and youth from Zing Local Council.
Origin of the Controversy
The situation began when approximately 37 constituents from various wards in the Zing constituency reportedly received an invitation from Speaker Bonzena for a Christmas gift distribution. Expecting substantial support, these individuals traveled to the Speaker's residence in Jalingo, the state capital. However, it was alleged that upon arrival, they were each personally given only N1,000 by the Speaker, a gesture that sparked immediate outrage and led to widespread reports.
Official Clarifications and Statements
In separate statements released at the weekend, both the State Assembly and the Zing Watch Group moved to set the record straight. They clarified that the N1,000 gesture was never intended for the visiting constituents. Instead, it was a token for children and young ladies residing around the Speaker's official residence in Jalingo.
The statements further explained that while Speaker Bonzena did extend a Christmas invitation to his constituents, the official event was scheduled to be held in his home village of Yakoko, in Zing Local Council. A misunderstanding allegedly led some invitees to journey to Jalingo instead. The officials stated that those who arrived in Jalingo were informed by the Speaker's aide to proceed to Yakoko, where preparations for the main event were already in place.
Quotes from the Joint Denial
"For the record, the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly did not share N1,000 with his constituents. The N1,000 Christmas gesture was for children and young ladies around his residence," the joint statements read. "Those who mistakenly came to Jalingo were informed by the Speaker's aide to return to Yakoko, where the legislature had already moved for the event."
Call Against Misinformation
The statements were jointly signed by Ibrahim Bello Kotto, Kenneth Mezeh Joshua, and Saddam C.Y. on behalf of the Zing Watch Group and the media department of the Taraba State House of Assembly. They expressed unwavering confidence in Speaker John Bonzena and urged the public, especially citizens of Taraba State, to refrain from spreading unverified information that could tarnish the image of the legislature and its leadership.
The incident highlights the sensitivity of public perception regarding constituency outreach and the importance of clear communication from elected officials, especially during festive periods when expectations for support are typically high.
