Barr. Zainab Usman Jalingo
Taraba State’s Information Commissioner, Barr. Zainab Usman Jalingo, is facing allegations of diverting approximately N30 million in media funds meant for Governor Agbu Kefas’ defection ceremony.
The funds were allegedly meant for live coverage by major media outlets like NTA, TVC, and Channels, as well as honorarium for journalists who covered the event.
According to sources, the Publicity Committee had earmarked funds for NTA, Channels, and TVC, but Jalingo only paid for NTA and allegedly diverted the rest. Additionally, TSBS and TTV were allocated N500,000 each, but didn’t receive the funds. Government House Press Crew and social media supporters were also allegedly shortchanged, with N1 million allocated to each.
Jalingo initially announced N60 million was released for the committee, later reducing it to N50 million, and allegedly collected additional funds without announcing them. N6,75000 was also earmarked for local FM stations for spot announcements.
The allegations have sparked outrage, with calls for transparency and accountability. Jalingo has reportedly been unreachable for comment.
Efforts to contact Taraba State’s Commissioner for Information, regarding allegations of diverting N30 million in media funds have been unsuccessful. Sources claim she doesn’t answer calls or respond to text messages, citing her harsh and high-handed nature as the reason for her inaccessibility.
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