The Taraba State House of Assembly and a political pressure group, the Zing Watch Group (ZWG), have moved to set the record straight regarding a controversial Christmas cash gift attributed to the Speaker, Hon. John Kizito Bonzena. This follows widespread media reports and social media criticism alleging the Speaker gave only N1,000 to constituents who visited his residence during the festive season.
Group Condemns "False Impression" in Media Reports
In a press statement issued on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Jalingo, the Zing Watch Group strongly condemned what it described as unfair and unbalanced media coverage. The statement was jointly signed by its Chairman, Ibrahim Bello Kotto; Secretary, Kenneth Mezeh Joshua; and Public Relations Officer, Saddam C.Y.
The group expressed deep displeasure over the narrative, which it said created a "false impression" of the Speaker's actions. According to ZWG, a large number of constituents had kept vigil at Bonzena’s Jalingo residence for three days during Christmas, where he addressed them and extended goodwill. They emphasized that this gesture was a long-standing tradition maintained by Bonzena even before he became Speaker.
ZWG accused certain media outlets of failing to provide a balanced account by not seeking the views of constituents who appreciated the Speaker's kindness. They labeled the reports as an "affront, insult and blackmail" against his personality.
"We, the people of Zing constituency and beyond, are miffed over the false impression being promoted by a section of the media and social media over the Speaker’s kind gesture to his constituents during the festive season," the group stated.
Official Clarification from the State Assembly
In a separate clarification issued on Saturday, the Taraba State House of Assembly categorically rejected claims that Speaker Bonzena distributed N1,000 each to his constituents as a Christmas gift.
The Assembly explained that the N1,000 was intended specifically for children and young ladies living around the Speaker's residence in Jalingo, and was not meant for visiting constituents from his Zing Local Government Area.
"For the record, the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly did not share N1,000 with his constituents. The N1,000 Christmas gesture was for children and young ladies around his residence," the official statement read.
The Assembly further clarified that the Speaker's official Christmas invitation to his people was for an event in his home village of Yakoko, in Zing. Some individuals, however, misunderstood the invitation and travelled to Jalingo instead. Those who arrived in Jalingo were informed by the Speaker's aide to proceed to Yakoko, where the main event was already taking place.
Group's Warning and Vote of Confidence
The Zing Watch Group used its statement to issue a stern warning to media organizations it accused of "junk journalism." The group warned that it would not hesitate to take legal action against such entities.
Reaffirming its unwavering support, the group passed a vote of confidence on Speaker John Kizito Bonzena, describing him as "an uncommon member worth emulating." They vowed to protect his reputation from being tarnished.
ZWG also called on relevant authorities to caution media houses against what it termed defamatory reporting, stressing that "peace, justice and fairness" remain its guiding principles. The group asserted that the people of Zing constituency speak with one voice, irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious differences.
