The Taraba State House of Assembly and the Zing Watch Group have denied reports that Speaker John Bonzena gave just N1,000 each to constituents as a Christmas gift. The rebuttal followed social media outrage after some women and youths from Zing LGA claimed they received only N1,000 at the Speaker’s Jalingo residence despite being invited for Christmas support.
The aggrieved individuals, reportedly drawn from different wards in Zing constituency, said they travelled to the state capital expecting substantial assistance. Instead, they alleged the Speaker personally handed out N1,000 per person, prompting criticism online and in local media.
In separate statements on Saturday, both the Assembly and Zing Watch Group clarified that the N1,000 gesture was meant for children and young ladies living around Bonzena’s Jalingo residence, not visiting constituents. They explained that the Speaker’s main Christmas event for constituents was scheduled to hold in his hometown of Yakoko, Zing, but some people misinterpreted the invitation and went to Jalingo instead.
“For the record, the Speaker did not share N1,000 with his constituents,” the statements said, insisting the small cash support was strictly for neighbours around his house. They noted that those who mistakenly travelled to Jalingo were informed by an aide to return to Yakoko, where the lawmaker had already moved for the constituency event.
Signed by Ibrahim Bello Kotto, Kenneth Mezeh Joshua and Saddam C.Y. on behalf of Zing Watch Group and the Assembly’s media unit, the statements urged the public to stop spreading what they described as misleading narratives. They expressed confidence in Bonzena’s leadership and asked citizens to verify information before sharing it.
According to the clarifications, the Yakoko gathering brought together stakeholders including elders, religious leaders, youth and women groups and party supporters. Attendees reportedly received items such as wrappers, bags of rice and startup funds for small businesses as part of the Speaker’s Christmas outreach.
The statements also highlighted some of Bonzena’s constituency projects over the past year, including building and furnishing standard accommodation for corps members, constructing culverts, installing streetlights and planting trees to fight climate change. They said these efforts reflect his focus on education, infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
Describing him as a former civil servant who “embodies integrity and expertise,” the groups said Bonzena has worked to address local needs while promoting peace, unity and transparency in the House. They added that he listens to constituents, responds to concerns and remains committed to improving lives through public service.
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