The Plateau State House of Assembly has appealed for calm among the citizens over the planned MoU between the State and JAIZ bank for the rebuilding of the burnt Jos Main market.
Hon. Na’anlong Daniel who is the Majority Leader and Chairman House Committee on Information made the appeal while responding to questions on the House position as representative of the protesting Plateau citizens over the 40 years lease of the Terminus Market if rebuilt by JAIZ bank.
According to Honorable Na’anlong who represents Mikang State constituency in the House, the youth have the right to protest on what they felt is not of beneficial to them, but assured that with better engagement and explanation on the gains of the deal to the state and the citizens they will come to understand and grab the opportunity.
While calling on the State Executive Council to engage the protesting citizens and sensitize them on the benefits of the MoU with the Islamic bank, the Majority Leader said “It is important for the government to explain to them because we are in a democracy and the people have the right to air their views and it’s the responsibility of the government to make clarification”
He caution the citizens not to politicized everything that the government wants to do either on political differences or whatever but make genuine criticism that will bring about the needed development in the state and nation at large.
He added that the bank is for business and he has Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa and even Plateau friends that are doing business with the bank. He said anyone that has business idea but has no finances, JAIZ bank can assist and share profit with.
The Honorable Member said the executive is going to monitor the process of shops allocation for fairness, as anyone qualify person can asses shop regardless of religion or regional differences. Adding that the government is not mortgaging the future of the state and her citizens to the bank but they will still be in full control of the Market.
He called on Plateau Youths to see the deal as an avenue to develop their entrepreneur skills and advance their knowledge in the area of their speciality as the rebuilding of the market is coming with lots of value change.
Honourable Na’anlong also urged them to use the avenue to form cooperatives or societies that they can come under to be able to assess shops if completed, saying “this should be a time for preparation on how to make good use of the opportunity to grow in every area of their businesses as the market is for everybody”.
He explained further that government can not provide jobs for all the youths and the reconstruction of the market is also going to create opportunities for employment, like securities, revenue collectors among many other benefits…, so they should see it as an advantage to develop and grow themselves to better their lives and the society.
It would be recalled that the planned signing of an MoU between the Plateau State Government and JAIZ bank has generated mixed reaction in the state leading to protest by Coalition of Plateau State Ethnic Youths and other organizations including YOWICAN and other stakeholders calling the attention of the state government to suspend the process of signing the MoU.
Recent statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dan Manjang explained the benefits of reconstructing the burnt market to the citizens and said that the Plateau State government is contributing zero naira for the construction of the market as JAIZ bank is funding it 100%.
Manjang noted that rebuilding of the Market which is going to cost N10 billion is expected to have 4,321 shops with sharing formula of 60% for JAIZ bank while 40% for Plateau State Government for a period of 40 years lease.
Meanwhile, member representing Jos South/ Jos East Federal Constituency Musa Bagos has today Tuesday, obtained court injunction from the Plateau State High Court, restraining Governor Simon Lalong and the Plateau State Government from signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the reconstruction of the burnt Jos main Market.
