JOS MAIN MARKET: Wider Consultations Between Government and CAN Inter Alia Stakeholders Advices Process to Hold

JOS MAIN MARKET: Wider Consultations Between Government and CAN Inter Alia Stakeholders Advices Process to Hold By Pwol Benjamin Dature, Jos August 1 2022 The proposed MOU between Plateau state Government and Jaiz Bank which will see the rebuilding of the Jos Main Market has received further resistance by Christain Association Nigeria(CAN), Plateau State Chapter and a coalition of indigenous ethnic youth leaders of the state. Speaking to Journalist today in Jos shortly after a meeting held at the banquet hall of the Government House, little rayfield, Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev Fr Polycarp Lubo said they have advised the Government to put the deal on hold, until proper consultations are being done. He pointed out that the major fears of the stakeholders as discussed was the partnership with JAIZ Bank an interest-free bank which is 100% Sharia compliant, considering Plateau as a Christian dominated State. Secondly, was the issue in duration of the proposed deal which spans a 40years duration, mortgaging the lives and properties of Plateau citizens. He further stated that they have advised the Government to put on hold the proposed deal while it sits and redress the concern and fears of the citizens before any implementation. “The resolution of all the persons convened at the meeting is that the deal should be put on hold but the Government has not responded yet but has promised to look into it and if they find any issue they will call our attention and also get back to us” he said. "These people convened here are the real stakeholders and the Government did not consult any of them, even I was not consulted, however, we have confidence in the Government, they are there for the people so they will definitely listen to the people but our resolve is that they should put on hold first” he added. Speaking on behalf of the Government, the Managing Director, Plateau Investment and Property Company (PIPC) Mr Chrysogonus Yilzak, said they are meeting to make clarifications in regards, of the proposed deal, reiterating that the proposed MOU will serve the best interest of Plateau State and been bonafide indigenes of Plateau, they will never sell the heritage of the State. Also the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of the State, Barr Chrysantus Ahmadu, also emphasized that no one is ceding any property to Jaiz bank as portrayed in various social media outlets, but rather Jaiz bank is providing funding which will be paid back after 40years in a ratio of 60:40 to Government ownership of the shops, this will be returned back legally and fully to the Plateau State Government after the said period. The market, which was a major economic hub and significant contributor to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state, was burnt down in 2001. However, soon after Governor Simon Lalong’s government entered into discussion with Jaiz Bank, accusations were leveled against the state government from different quarters in the state, alleging that the government was ceding the market to an Islamic bank. Credit: The State of Plateau