From Teryima Ajijah, Jos
Residents of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, alongside their representative at the state Assembly, Gwottson Fom have rejected the proposed re-building of Jos Main Market; and called for those who burnt the market in 2002 to be fished out to face justice.
They made the submission on Tuesday at a town hall meeting convened by Member representing Jos South State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Gwottson Fom.
Fom, who presented the position of his constituents, also rejected the rebuilding of the market.
“The position of Jos South constituency is loud and clear that the people do not want the rebuilding of the Jos Main Market under the present circumstances,” he stated.
Making his submission, a resident of Gyel community, Simon Dung Zi suggested that government should reveal the masterminds behind setting ablaze the market.
He kicked against the rebuilding of the market due to high level of insecurity in the area which constitute threat to life and property, including the market structure.
He advised government to concentrate on completion of projects already kick-started across the state, and allow the next administration to consult widely among the citizens on whether to rebuild the Jos Main Market.
However, Prof. David Yakubu of the University of Jos, who narrated the imperative of rebuilding the market by Jaiz Bank said the project will boost the economic well-being of the people.
Most residents who spoke on the rebuilding of the market cited insecurity as a major factor which led to the burning down of the market 20-years-ago.
Some cited insecurity as their reasons while a lot are worried because they don’t have confidence in the present administration.
The gathering therefore, unanimously kicked against government plan, towards rebuilding of the Jos Main Market by Jaiz Bank, as proposed by the present administration in the state.
The town hall meeting had in attendance, representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasir Islamic (JNI), traditional rulers, ethnic associations, market women association among others.
The Voice gathered that similar stakeholders meeting deliberating over the proposed re-building of the Jos Main Market is currently ongoing across the 17 local government areas of Plateau state.