Plateau Man Demands Apology From Dr Fish Over Radio Comments, Says ‘Plateau People Deserve Respect’
A Plateau State-based commentator, Longhi Bensgak, has demanded an apology from popular businessman and entertainer,
Adetunji Adebanjo Sammy, popularly known as Dr Fish, over comments allegedly made during a radio programme on Jay FM.
Bensgak, in a lengthy open letter published on his Facebook page on Monday and addressed to Dr Fish, Ogidigboigbo Humfryno, Osama Comedian and Jay FM Live, said he was deeply saddened by the tone of the discussion.
He said he had attempted several times to call into the programme to contribute to the conversation but was unable to get through.
However, Bensgak began his intervention by acknowledging what he described as Dr Fish’s significant contributions to Plateau State, particularly in the areas of employment, investment, entertainment, philanthropy and community development.
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According to him, Dr Fish could have invested elsewhere but chose Plateau State after arriving in the state as a corps member from another part of Nigeria.
“You came here as a Corps member from another state, you built something, and you succeeded. That is something Plateau people should be proud of,” Bensgak wrote.
He, however, argued that Dr Fish’s success should also be viewed within the context of the support he received from Plateau residents.
Bensgak said Plateau people welcomed the businessman, patronised his businesses and supported his vision, stressing that the same hospitality had enabled many people from different parts of Nigeria and beyond to establish successful businesses in the state.
He also mentioned Osama and Ogidigboigbo as other beneficiaries of the state’s hospitality.
‘Plateau People Should Not Be Blamed Collectively’
The major concern raised by Bensgak was what he described as the broad portrayal of Plateau or Jos people as the problem in an apparent dispute involving a business and questions about payments or investments.
He argued that if people’s money was involved, they had a legitimate right to ask questions where there were concerns about payments, withdrawals, returns or investments.
“Supporting an entrepreneur does not mean we should remain silent when we have concerns,” he stated.
Bensgak maintained that concerns over money should not automatically be interpreted as hatred, wickedness or ingratitude, noting that people who fear losing their hard-earned money would naturally seek explanations.
He further pointed out that not every person involved in an investment or business dispute would necessarily be an indigene of Plateau State, just as not every Plateau indigene would necessarily be an investor.
For that reason, he described any blanket reference to the matter as a “Jos/Plateau people” problem as unfair.
‘Words Matter’
Bensgak also warned about the possible wider consequences of statements made on radio, particularly when they concern the character of a particular community.
“Words matter. Radio matters. And when influential voices speak, their words travel far beyond the studio,” he wrote.
He expressed concern that the manner in which the issue was allegedly presented could create a negative impression of
Plateau State and its people among potential investors and business owners outside the state.
According to him, Plateau has historically been known for its hospitality and for welcoming people from different ethnic, religious and geographical backgrounds.
He said the state should continue to maintain that reputation while ensuring that residents retain the right to demand accountability from businesses and organisations.
‘We Appreciate Your Investment, But We Also Ask Questions’
While acknowledging Dr Fish’s contributions to Plateau, Bensgak urged him to remember the residents who supported him during the period of building his business.
“We appreciate your investment in Plateau. We appreciate the jobs. We appreciate the entertainment. We appreciate the philanthropy,” he wrote.
“But we also ask that you remember the people who stood with you when you were building.”
Bensgak said those who patronised the business and supported its growth should also be allowed to express concerns when they believe their interests may be affected.
He therefore called for an apology over what he described as the blanket labelling of Plateau/Jos people in connection with the matter.
According to him, the demand for an apology was not motivated by hatred or ingratitude but by a desire to ensure that Plateau people are treated with respect.
‘Plateau Is Bigger Than Any Individual’
Bensgak concluded by calling for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the issues surrounding the controversy.
He urged all parties to protect both people’s investments and legitimate businesses, while cautioning against allowing a temporary disagreement to damage the relationship between investors and residents.
“Let us talk. Let us listen. Let us resolve the issues. Let us protect people’s investments. Let us protect businesses. And above all, let us protect the good name of Plateau State,” he stated.
He ended the letter with a reminder that Plateau belongs to everyone who lives, works and contributes to its development.
“Because Plateau is bigger than any individual. Plateau is home. And home should always be a place where everyone—indigene and stranger alike—can thrive.”
This report is based on an open letter published by Longhi Bensgak on his Facebook page. The concerns and allegations referenced in the letter represent his position.
Headlineswave.ng has not independently established the claims surrounding the alleged business/payment dispute and would welcome responses from Dr Fish, the other persons addressed in the letter, or any relevant party for balance.
