A controversy has emerged following the groundbreaking ceremony of the Plateau State ultra-modern abattoir project in Heipang, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, with a group of publishers alleging exclusion from official transportation arrangements for the event.
The disagreement centers on claims by some Plateau-based publishers and independent media owners that they were unable to join the official transportation arranged for journalists covering the event, prompting concerns about media access and engagement with government institutions.
According to the affected media owners, they had been accredited for the assignment and initially boarded a vehicle arranged to convey journalists from Jos to the project site before being asked to disembark.
The group alleged that the action originated from the Ministry of Information and Communication and described the incident as part of a wider challenge relating to engagement between the ministry and independent publishers in the state.
One of the publishers was quoted as saying, “Publishers are not enemies of government. We are partners in nation-building and public enlightenment. Our concern is that there should be a clear and inclusive framework for engaging all media stakeholders.”
The publishers further argued that stronger collaboration with independent media organizations would enhance public awareness of government policies, programmes and projects across Plateau State.
However, another account of the incident has challenged the allegations, insisting that the commissioner neither excluded any journalist nor directed anyone to leave the government-arranged vehicles.
According to those familiar with the arrangements, invitations were extended to journalists through the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, and two vehicles were provided to transport media practitioners to the venue.
They explained that when it became clear that the available vehicles could not accommodate all journalists, priority was given to electronic media personnel while others were advised to make alternative arrangements.
The account further stated that the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, was not present at the departure point and played no role in determining who boarded the vehicles.
Supporters of the commissioner described the allegations against her as unfounded and maintained that she has sustained a cordial relationship with journalists and media stakeholders since assuming office.
The matter drew further attention after the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau State Council, issued a statement distancing itself from publications alleging deliberate exclusion by the commissioner.
“The Council states that the views expressed in the publication do not represent the official position of the NUJ Plateau State Council but rather those of the individuals involved,” the union said.
The NUJ acknowledged that some journalists were unable to board the vehicles provided for transportation but noted that several media practitioners made alternative arrangements using personal vehicles and public transportation to attend the event. The union also urged affected parties to embrace dialogue rather than public exchanges capable of creating tension within the media community.
The council subsequently passed a vote of confidence on the Commissioner for Information and Communication, commending her efforts in sustaining engagement with media stakeholders. Meanwhile, the publishers have called for clearer accreditation procedures, transparent participation guidelines, and improved dialogue between government institutions and independent media organizations to prevent similar controversies in the future.
