PLATEAU STATE COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION HON. DAN MANJANG VARBALLY ATTACKS JAY FM JOURNALIST'S.

PLATEAU STATE COMMISSIONER MOLEST JOURNALISTS ON A LIVE RADIO SHOW IN JOS

By Johnstone Kpilaakaa

The Plateau state Commissioner of Information and Communication, Dan Manjang verbally attacked journalists ( Zoe Machunga & Renny Morenikeji of Jay FM Jos and Comrade Thomas Tukyen Aboki of Observer Times) during a political and current affairs show on Jay FM Jos, #LetsTalk.

Mr. Manjang was invited to speak on the “State of the Plateau” following an article published by Observer Times’ Thomas Tukyen Aboki titled: “#YouHaveFailedUs; Gov. Simon Lalong and other political appointees”, the Commissioner claimed that the interview was an ambush and the conversation was along the lines of nepotism.

Prior to his appearance on the show, Pedro Omobolaji, the studio manager of the radio station told him what the focus of the show was and he responded with “ask me any question”.

Unfortunately, instead of replying directly to the question he was asked, Manjang was furious in his response, “I’m not here to discuss with this kind of personality (referring to Thomas Tukyen Aboki), my IQ is far above this type of discussion… he is not your mate, call him Governor Lalong, not Lalong”, he said.

He further threatened to walk out of the live studio. Even though Zoe Machunga emphasized that the need for a balanced reportage was what inspired the invitation of the Commissioner, Dan Manjang continuously used disrespectful words on the three journalists and as well as interrupting the host throughout the 40 minutes conversation despite the disappointment expressed by listeners who aired their concern over the unprofessional attitude of the Commissioner via phone calls and social media messages.

One of the callers, Comrade Francis Okeke said, “I am upset with the commissioner of information, he did not answer the question that was asked, he is the mouthpiece of the government and he needs to be polite”. Another caller, Extravagant Maloby said, “I am delighted listening to this program this morning, it has further exposed the mindset of our leaders… Instead of selling your product you missed out, a true patriot supports his country over his government’.

Roy Martins who called to address the commissioner stated that, ” It is very disrespectful and unprofessional to address journalist the way the commissioner did, he was once as a journalist’

Regardless of the Manjang’s uproar, Thomas Tukyen stood his ground stating that he wrote the article out of what he has “seen and researched on”

In a separate response, the information commissioner stated that all the Lalong legacy projects will be completed before the end of the administration of Simon Bako Lalong.