Plateau Information Ministry Move to Calm Tension Over Abattoir Event Coverage, Dismiss Allegations of Media Exclusion
The Plateau State Ministry of Information and Communication have dismissed allegations that some journalists and publishers were deliberately prevented from covering the recent flag-off ceremony of the Plateau State ultra-modern abattoir project in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The reactions followed a publication circulating on social media alleging that the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni, directed an aide to stop certain media practitioners from participating in the coverage of the event held at Pwomol in Heipang District.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant in the Office of the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Stanley Smiles, the Ministry described the allegation as false, misleading, and entirely without foundation.
According to the statement, the groundbreaking ceremony was a public government function and media participation was coordinated through the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, which serves as the umbrella body for media organizations in the state.
The Ministry stressed that at no time did the Commissioner or any official of the Ministry issue directives to exclude or restrict any journalist or media organization from covering the programme.
It added that journalists from different media platforms attended and actively covered the event, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to transparency, openness, and equal access to information.
The statement further noted that the Commissioner remains committed to promoting government activities and ensuring that citizens receive accurate and timely information on policies, programmes, and projects of the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
It maintained that any suggestion that the Commissioner would deliberately block media coverage of a major government project contradicts her mandate and established practice.
The Ministry therefore urged members of the public to disregard the publication and rely on verified information from official channels.
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, distanced itself from the publication and clarified that the views expressed did not represent the official position of the Council but rather those of the individuals involved.
In a statement jointly signed by the NUJ Chairman, Ayuku Pwaspo, ANIPR, and the Secretary, Mary Domtur, the Council acknowledged that while some members were unable to board the vehicles provided for transportation to the venue, they made alternative arrangements using personal vehicles and public transportation to attend the event.
The Council encouraged affected parties to embrace dialogue and utilise existing mechanisms for resolving grievances rather than resorting to public narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension within the media industry.
The NUJ further stated that administrative decisions surrounding media coordination at government functions should not be interpreted without proper understanding of established protocols and procedures.
The Council commended the Plateau State Ministry of Information and Communication under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap for sustaining engagement with media stakeholders across the state and promoting effective dissemination of government information.
Consequently, the NUJ Plateau State Council passed a vote of confidence on the Commissioner for Information and Communication, praising her commitment to strengthening communication channels between government and the media.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting professional journalism standards, and fostering mutual respect among journalists, media owners, government institutions, and the public in the overall interest of Plateau State.
