By Israel Adamu, Jos
Plateau Youths for Genuine Democracy has denounced the recent claim by a faceless group, the Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN), which alleged that the state government allocated over ₦1.7 billion for the burial of the late Lt. General Jeremiah Useni.
In a statement released on Friday, Comrade Harry Karnap Bali, the group’s spokesperson, called the report “false” and “misleading.” The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to a fake report shared online by a highly placed individual, claiming that the state government allocated ₦1.7 billion for the burial of our late elder statesman, General Jeremiah Useni (rtd).”
The group criticized the source of the claim, labeling it a “malicious allegation” intended to mislead the public. “This report lacks substance and is an intentional attempt to spread misinformation,” the group stated.
The group further emphasized that their investigation revealed that despite the intention to honor the life and contributions of General Useni, the Plateau state government, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, could not have allocated such a sum for the burial arrangements. “We want to clear the air and state unequivocally that the report from MEN is false,” they added.
The statement also expressed gratitude towards the burial committee members, commending their efforts in organizing a dignified funeral. “We want to thank the committee for their good work in ensuring a fitting burial for our elder statesman,” the group noted.
The group warned against the deliberate attempt to undermine the burial committee’s integrity, urging MEN to conduct proper investigations. “We urge the Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN) to go back to the field and do their research properly,” they advised.
The statement criticized the opposition for fabricating financial speculations in an attempt to discredit the current government, asserting that Plateau’s people are not swayed by these baseless claims. “The Plateau people understand the tactics of the unelectable opposition and will not fall for the spreaders of fake news,” they concluded.
Comrade Bali also condemned the calculated effort to tarnish the reputation of the burial committee and called for an end to politicizing the death of General Useni. “These unfounded allegations are a desperate attempt to undermine the stability and progress of the Tarok nation,” he stated.
The group concluded by expressing full confidence in the leadership of the Burial Committee, particularly its chairman, Arch. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, whose efforts were widely acknowledged as successful in organizing a respectful and fitting burial for General Useni.
