*low turn out of spectators observed
By; BUHARI B. BELLO, Jos
Journalists in Plateau State have boycotted this year’s edition of Jos Polo Tournament over the payment of 1,000 Naira access fees required of them to enter and cover the event.
The Vice President of Jos Polo Tournament who doubles as the media and publicity contact committee chairman, Mr Edward Fom gave the directive while speaking with some newsmen, insisted that they must pay the sum of 1,000 Naira to enable them cover the event
Some journalists earlier were told to collect their tags following the promise made by Mr. Fom to come by 2:00pm for the collection of the tags, but were later reminded over the payment of the sum of N1,000 before they would be allowed in.
Journalists left the venue of the tournament in annoyance, insisting that they don’t have to pay to cover events for whatsoever reason.
Earlier some journalist were denied entry into the field of the tournament allegedly on the orders of the polo management that a payment of 1,000 Naira must be made.
It took the efforts of some of the officials of the polo tournament, who identified the journalists, before they were ushered in where they met Mr From, who bluntly told them that they just must pay if they want to cover the event.
On hearing such, some journalists who had earlier gone to cover this year’s edition of the tournament, left, saying that they were poorly treated by security operatives at the gate.
However, this year’s edition of Jos Polo Tournament was greeted by low turnout and cold weather being experienced in Jos metropolis
It was observed that people who usually turn out in large numbers for the event, could not come, probably due to the weather condition in the city.
