Reaction trail Taraba Speaker's N1000 Christmas gift to constituents

By Nick Yashi, Jalingo

A political group, the Zing Watch Group (ZWG), has reacted to reports in some media channels, which cast a negative impression on the Speaker, Taraba state House of Assembly, Rt Honourable John Kizito Bonzena, for his N1000 naira gift to his constituents. 

The social media and other media channels have reported the alleged distribution of N1000 to each constituent of the Speaker who also serves as Member representing Zing State Constituency, which attracted comments from the public.

Bonzena, it was alleged, addressed the mammoth crowd that kept vigil at his Jalingo residence, wishing them merry Christmas after which a thousand naira was shared to each of the constituents. 

But, confirming the issue, a pressure group, the Zing Watch Group, in a press statement, expressed its sadness over the negative perception of the good gesture and intention of the Speaker to his people on that occasion. 

According to the statement jointly signed by Ibrahim Bello Kotto, Kenneth Mezeh Joshua and Saddam C,Y, Chairman, Secretary and Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the group reapectively, the reports being peddled were an "affront, insult and blackmail on the Speaker". 

"We the people of Zing constituency and beyond are miffed over the false impression being promoted by a section of the media and the social media on the Member representing Zing State Constituency and Speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, for his kind gesture in giving his widow's mite to his constituents during this festive season. 

"It is a mammoth crowd that kept vigil in his house over three days during which he demonstrated the good gesture to them- a tradition that he has sustained even before he was made the Speaker of the House.

"We are not happy with the role played by a section of the media for not giving a balanced view of the story. They didn't hear from those of us who appreciated his widow's mite. We consider that as an affront, insult, and a blackmail on the personality of our Member. 

"The people of his constituency speak as a group regardless of party affiliation, ethnicity and religious affiliation". 

The group also warned that it would not take lightly any future reoccurrence, adding that it was not part of Bonzena's legislative business to be sharing money. 

"We want to warn that we shall not hesitate to take legal action on such junk journalism should this repeat itself again. Freedom of Speech is not freedom to blackmail, insult or defame someone's character.

"We want to emphasize that, although a politician, it is not part of his legislative duty to distribute money just because he is a Speaker. He is first a legislator, member representing his constituency before being a Speaker of the House, " the statement added.

They gave the assurance that Bonzena remains their member elect and passed a vote of confidence on him. 

"We want them to know that Bonzena remains our representative for Zing constituency (being the Speaker or not), until he willingly, with our acceptance, decide to replace him with someone else that would fit into his shoes.

"As a matter of fact, he has been an uncommon member worth emulating and we would not watch his reputation being cast in the mud. 

"Besides, you don't decide for someone what he wishes to give out as charity to the public, " the statement read.

They therefore, called on relevant authorities to "call such a junk media to order" while also affirming that "peace, justice and fairness is our watchword".

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