A socio Cultural group in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria has debunked the purported endorsement of the controversial deal of rebuilding the over 20 years burnt Jos main Market between the Plateau State Government and JAIZ Bank claimed on social media.
The socio Cultural youth group known as Ngas Youth Movement (NYM) in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Khinang Beji Nuhu, described the purported ‘yes’ votes from the Ngas core Constituencies of Kanke and Pankshin North of the state as rumour by rumours peddlers.
The statement read in parts, “The attention of the National Executive Council of Ngas Youth Movement has been drawn to a rumour peddling round social media that the Ngas core- Constituencies (Kanke and Pankshin North) endorsed the Plateau State government and Jaiz bank MOU for the Re-construction of the Jos Main Market in the ongoing constituency consultations by the Plateau state government on the subject matter.
“While it is not in our character to respond to such mischievous propaganda going round, for the sake of our members who have inundated us with calls about the true position of the situation, as such, the leadership of Ngas Youth led by Comrade Nensok Gonet owe it a duty of care to appropriately allay the fears of our members and that of the general public who might have fallen prey into believing such doctored conjectures.
We wish to set the records straight…
“Ngas nation, its past heroes and leaders have been in the forefront of championing the course of a greater , peaceful, flourishing and United Plateau State.
“That as loyal citizens of the state, we are advocates of progressive development, and we will always encourage any Government policies and programs aimed at enhancing rapid development of the state. It was in that spirit, our Late Nde JD Gomwalk led Military- Government of defunct Benue-Plateau initiated and embarked on the ten years Main Market building project.
“That indeed our two Honorable members in the House of Assembly held a town hall meeting to sought for the views of their constituents, and various stakeholders at the meeting make meaningful contributions to guide the Honourable members in their resolution which is expected to be deliberated on the floor of the house with their colleagues.
“Never at any point during the Town Hall meetings held separately at the various constituency headquarters was there a resolution that was subjected into voting , and we wonder where the “YES VOTE ” emanated from having a filled day on social media.
“We call on the general public to disregard such propaganda as it is totally misleading and did not in anyway reflect the true position of our people.
“In as much as our own Hero, Late *Arch Nde Danladi Shemu*( Of blessed memory) and two others designed the tourist monument market which was then the largest indoor market in West Africa, it is our wish that the legacy is kept alive, we will not and can never go against the yearnings of the generality of the Plateau people and its heritage, which we are critical stakeholders since time immemorial and in the present day reality.
“We equally record with sadness how some fifth columnist has taken a prowl and linked the misleading information to score a cheap political goal ahead of 2023 general elections.
“In conclusion, while we await the outcome of the town hall meetings and the resolutions from opinion leaders and various constituencies, we are appealing to the Government of Plateau State to harken to the voice of Plateau people for the general good of the State and seek for other alternatives when the need arises with due diligence and proper citizen’s engagement”.
Meanwhile, the two members representing the Ngas core state Constituencies of Kanke and Pankshin North, Barr. Wallok Goma and Philip Dasun had also clear the air that there was no “yes or no” voting during the town hall meeting organized by them in their respective Constituencies and wonder where the said ‘yes’ voting information came from.
They call for calm among all citizens especially the Ngas youth, assuring them that no among of propaganda will change the positions of the various stakeholders at the consultation town hall meeting.