The Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni, has denied allegations that she directed her aide to prevent some publishers from covering the flag-off ceremony of the new abattoir market project.
According to Stanley Smiles, Special Assistant in the Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, the publication alleging such a phone directive is “false, misleading, and entirely without foundation”.
Stanley stated that the flag-off ceremony was a public government event and media participation was coordinated through the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, which serves as the umbrella body for all media platforms in the state.
He clarified that at no time did the Honourable Commissioner or any official of the Ministry issue directives to exclude or restrict any journalist or media organization from covering the event.
“Journalists from various media platforms were present and actively covered the programme, reflecting the administration’s commitment to transparency, openness, and equal access to information,” Smiles explained.
He added that the Commissioner remains dedicated to promoting government activities and ensuring citizens receive accurate and timely information on policies, programmes, and projects of the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Smiles noted that any suggestion that the Commissioner would deliberately block media coverage of a major government project is contrary to her mandate and established practice.
He therefore implored members of the public to disregard the publication and rely on verified information from official channels.
