By Diket Plang
On the eve of Christmas 2021 when all entry points to Plateau State are experiencing high traffic volume and substantial gridlock because of the number of visitors and Plateau State citizens returning home to celebrate Christmas with family and loved ones, the Government read with shock, disappointment and concern a report published online by Vanguard newspapers under the screaming caption “BLEAK CHRISTMAS IN PLATEAU AS INSECURITY FORCES CLOSURE OF FUN SPOTS”.
The report authored by the Vanguard correspondent in Plateau State Maree-Therese Nanlong attempted to highlight the changing dynamics of Christmas celebrations in Plateau State due to insecurity as well as compare the current situation with the past. Without prejudice to the freedom of expression enjoyed by newspapers to investigate all issues in society and report same to the public, we are of the view that the report fell short of basic journalistic standards as well as raised false and misleading alarm which cannot be allowed to pass uncorrected. Allowing it to go without correction will amount to endorsing the false alarm raised by the report.
First, it is worthy to note that Plateau State has a reputation locally and internationally as the Home Peace and Tourism. The reasons are not far fetched as it has good weather, hospitable people and good scenery that provide an exciting experience for tourists.
As the reporter noted, there are various spots that have been the favourite for many tourists and continue to be till date. Despite the security situation in recent times, these spots have not been closed as the reporter erroneously stated. If such has happened, the Government and its agencies especially the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Plateau Tourism Development Corporation are not aware. Similarly, no security agency has issued such advisory nor has the State Security Council said endorsed such.
For the report to scream BLEAK CHRISTMAS! on account of recollections of the past and depending solely on the views of few persons (who are not Government officials or representing any non-government entity) is therefore misleading and highly alarmist. Having sampled their personal views and recollections of fond memories of the past, the report could not establish a specific threat either investigated by the reporter, issued by relevant security agencies or by the Government. Not one of the interviewees cited by the respondents quoted any authority to support the alarming report. This in our view is highly unprofessional and mischievous.
To say that Plateau State has witnessed various crises over the years is stating the obvious, but the current situation cannot be termed “Bleak” in anyway. There is also no way Plateau can be described as a volatile place at the moment or the worst hit by insecurity as experienced in many parts of the country. It is our submission that Plateau State is one of the substantially stable States in the country today due to the emermous work that Governor Simon Lalong has done to tackle insecurity and crime.
The reporter who resides in Jos and has covered several Government functions, is aware of the level of crises that bedeviled the State before Governor Lalong came into office and how he has made efforts to restore peace and security. Through the Operation Rainbow, Peace Building Agency and the strengthening of relevant security agencies, the Governor greatly succeeded in restoring confidence to Plateau State untill the last crises that happened in Jos North, Bassa, Riyom and Jos South Local Governments which led to imposition of curfews.
Today, the situation has been returned to normal and people are going about their normal businesses. Indeed hotels in Jos are making brisk business as their rooms are sold out most of the time. In fact at the moment, finding a room in Jos is a nightmare because of the number of visitors flooding the State to celebrate Christmas and enjoy the serene weather especially now that COVID-19 restrictions have made travel to Europe and other parts of the difficult.
Just last week, the Governor directed the total lifting of the curfew in Jos North Local Government which was imposed from 10pm to 6am during the disturbances. The question is, if there is anything to suggest a bleak Christmas, would the State Security Council advise the Governor to take such action. The answer is no.
Maybe the reporter has been indoors for a long time and has not gone round the State at night in recent times to know that nightlife in Jos has been back for a long time, while the city has been agog with decorations around strategic roundabouts and business premises for the Christmas. Various Churches and organisations have held carols and other activities to mark the season most times at night without any incident. Those who do business in the various relaxation spots are ready to make some money during the yuletide, but the report is trying to scare them away.
Needless to say, the citizens of Plateau State and visitors like other Nigerians are aware of the current security situation in the country that is not peculiar to Plateau State. Therefore, every Nigerian including Plateau people exercise a lot of caution and take extra security measures before going out to have fun not only during Christmas, but at all times.
Despite this reality, Jos and indeed Plateau State is already in a festive mood as people are ready to go out and enjoy the season with visits to families and friends as well as to other public places. There is no alarm of a “Bleak Christmas” in the State. Anyone with information to that effect can avail the Government and security agencies to act on it.
The Government views this report as highly unprofessional and unbalanced considering the fact that the reporter did not even attempt to get the views of any government official and security personnel especially the police to find out if there is any alarm that suggests a “bleak Christmas” in Plateau State.
This is more so when the reporter has unfettered access to the relevant Government officials to make clarifications on such a story or get other perspectives. For the report to be published as it was is rather unfortunate because it creates a false alarm that is capable of making people see the State in bad light or avoid taking advantage of its potentials for no justifiable reason.
We therefore call on all citizens of Plateau State, Nigerians and non-Nigerians to ignore the report which has no substance of what it alleges and carry on with their plans for a JOStified Christmas. Like Governor Lalong said during the Christmas Carol held on Wednesday 22nd December 2021, citizens should not celebrate in fear, but in vigilance as security agencies have made proper arrangements to ensure peaceful celebrations. All they need is the right information about suspicious persons and movements given at the right time. The yuletide season in Plateau State promises to GREAT and not Bleak.
Merry Christmas!
Hon. Plang is Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs.
