They warned the bank to withdraw and reverse outright all commitments made with regard to the contract, stating that should it refuse, the youths of the state would have no choice but to take necessary actions to protect their interest. I
The Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Youths and other related organisations in Plateau State in collaboration with Plateau Daughters in the University of Jos have called on Governor Simon Lalong to cancel with immediate effect the N50 billion contract awarded to Jaiz Bank for the construction of the Jos Ultramodern Market, describing it as inimical to the Indigenous People of the state.
They warned the bank to withdraw and reverse outright all commitments made with regard to the contract, stating that should it refuse, the youths of the state would have no choice but to take necessary actions to protect their interest.
Members of the Coalition are: Afizere, Amo, Anaguta, Atakar, Aten, Bache, Berom, Buji, Chakfyem, Chokobo, Mship, Daffo, Fyer, Goemai, Bogom, Gus, Fier, Irigwe, Jere, Jipal, Karfa, Kamwai, Kafun, Kurama, Lemoro, Manguna, Mushere, Mwagavwul, Mupun, Ngas, Pan, Piapung, Pyem, Ron, Tal, Tambes, Tarok, Tehl, Toff, Sha Tarya, Ywom, and Plateau Daughters in University of Jos.
The warning is contained in a statement issued on Monday by Barr. Zachariah Awang and Amb. Duwam Bosco, Chairman and Secretary General of Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Youths respectively, a copy of which was made available to SaharaReporters.
The Coalition explained that the warning became necessary following the trending uproar arising from the unpopular awarding of Jos Ultra Main-Market construction to Jaiz Bank Plc.
They said that they were deeply concerned about the state’s unacceptable piling debts, award of bogus unrealistic so-called legacy projects of about N50 billion and over inflated Over-Head Bridge at British/America Junction and now, a very unfavorable poorly negotiated Jaiz Bank/Government Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Jos Ultramodern Main Market Contracts being pursued belatedly only to serve as conduit pipes to drain scarce public funds of the State as well as selfish desire to commandeer shops and allocate same to so-call party's stakeholders and other cronies.”
The Coalition asked why the Governor Lalong was pursuing alleged humongous projects when his administration was nearing its end – May 29, 2023.
The statement reads in part, "Therefore, he lacks the legitimacy to mortgage the financial viability of Plateau State and indeed, the future of the youths in a dubious contract/MOU lasting 40 years. This is reckless, biased and evil for anyone that calls himself a patriotic leader. In fact, we are aware of the racketeering behind the injurious MOU entered into for selfish gains and kickbacks.
"It's reliably gathered that the House of Assembly is complicit on this matter as it remains quiet with no open condemnation of this strange development. It's on this note that citizens cannot trust the lame duck House of Assembly which has been a rubber stamp parliament failing to carry out proper oversight functions on the super-powerful Executive.
"We are all aware that Government has openly demonstrated its sectional and nepotistic patronage in the award of contracts which lacks equity and a fairness. This is why the Indigenous youths strongly believe that the Jaiz MOU is inimical to its interest now and in the future."
It added, "Further concern that the choice of Jaiz Bank continues to heighten the suspicion of many Plateau citizens that given its religious credentials and biases, it's waging a holy war (jihad) through buying and mobbing of the assets of infidels who according to them, need to be financially and economically subdued.
"Resolved to speak up, reject and mobilize for the liberation of our dear State from the claws of corruption and maladministration as well as dubious contracts.
"Calling on all men and women of conscience, the youths, NGOs and other civil society organizations to rise up in unity to unequivocally condemn this despicable decision of the Lalong Government.
"Warning Jaiz Bank to withdraw and outrightly reverse all commitments made with regard to Jos Ultramodern Market as the youths of the State will be forced to take necessary actions to protect their interest in the State should the Bank persistently remains adamant.
"The Lalong's administration should desist from the ill-conceived last-minute decisions that jeopardize the collective interest of the Plateau people particularly, the youths.
"As a first step, all youths in Plateau State are required to join a Peaceful Procession at the Secretariat Junction by 8:30am on Monday, 1st August, 2022 to declare our fearless, candid position and stand on Jaiz/Government MOU which is scheduled to be signed tomorrow or Tuesday of the first week of August, 2022."