Indigenes of Plateau state living in the United States have kicked against Governor Simon Lalong’s move to expend over N9. 4bn for the purpose of rebuilding Jos main market.

The group, under the auspices of the Plateau state Association USA, Inc. (PSA-USA, Inc) in a letter dated August 15, 2022, and a copy made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, said the project “is ill-timed”, in view of the fact that Lalong’s administration is in its winding up days.

Therefore, the Plateau indigenes in the Diaspora have called on the state government to immediately cancel the project and all other such projects with huge capital requirements and concentrate on ongoing and unfinished projects that would better serve the people of the state.

“The Jos Main Market rebuilding project should be left for the next administration to handle rather than the last-minute rush that is being contemplated by the outgoing

Government,” the association said.

The letter was signed by the association’s National President Dr Barth Shepkong, and titled: “Demand to Immediately Terminate the Jos Main Market Rebuilding Project”.

“We, the members of Plateau State Association, USA, Inc (PSA USA), write to state our position on the proposed rebuilding project of the Jos Main Market.

“It is our understanding that the Plateau State Government through the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and the General Manager, Jos Main Market Authority, have entered into a purported Joint Venture Partnership Agreement with Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc for the rebuilding of Jos Main Market.

“The project is specifically for the construction of 4, 231 shops at the main market at the estimated cost of nine billion, four hundred and twelve million, one hundred and sixty-six thousand naira (9,412,166,000.00) only” the association stated.

The association noted that an overwhelming majority of Plateau people are in opposition to the proposed project.

“Consequently, we wish to add our dissenting voices to those of our people.

“We categorically oppose and reject this project as it is at odds with the interest of the people of Plateau state.

“Further, considering that the current state government is in its twilight, we believe the project is ill-timed,” Shepkong said.

The group queried why the Lalong administration decided to embark on such a monumental project at this time. “Why does the government seem to be in such a rush,” the association asked.

“Is this the only deal on the table to rebuild the main market? Were other options explored?, if yes, what were the responses?” the group queried.

The PSA-USA stressed that extensive and comprehensive consultations with the people of Plateau state were not made prior to the state government’s commitment to Jaiz Bank.

The letter informed the Plateau State Government that PSA and other Plateau State

indigenes in the diaspora have the human capital and the financial muscle to help the state execute the Jos main market rebuilding project and other capital-intensive projects at the appropriate time.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the next administration to ensure projects are embarked on, in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Plateau State,” the group declared. (Daily Independent)

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