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The Taraba State House of Assembly and the Zing Watch Group have dismissed reports that Speaker Hon. John Bonzena gave only ₦1,000 each to constituents as a Christmas gift.

Reports had circulated that some women and youths from Zing Local Government Area travelled to Jalingo after being invited to the Speaker’s residence for a Christmas distribution, only to allegedly receive ₦1,000 each — a development that sparked criticism.

In separate statements issued on Saturday, both the Assembly and the group explained that the ₦1,000 gesture was meant for children and young ladies living around the Speaker’s residence in Jalingo, not for visiting constituents.

They clarified that the Speaker’s Christmas outreach for constituents was scheduled to take place in his hometown, Yakoko, in Zing. Some people, however, misunderstood the invitation and mistakenly travelled to Jalingo, where they were advised to return to Yakoko for the event.

“For the record, the Speaker did not share ₦1,000 with his constituents,” the statements noted, adding that the main event in Yakoko featured wider support, including wrappers, bags of rice, and business startup assistance.

Signed by Ibrahim Bello Kotto, Kenneth Mezeh Joshua, and Saddam C.Y. on behalf of the Zing Watch Group and the Assembly media department, the statements urged the public to avoid spreading misleading information and expressed confidence in the Speaker’s leadership.

They also highlighted projects credited to Bonzena over the past year, such as accommodations for corps members, culvert construction, streetlight installation, and tree planting initiatives, alongside ongoing efforts to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

According to the statements, Bonzena is committed to listening to constituents, promoting peace and transparency, and delivering community-focused leadership.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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