Stakeholders in Plateau state have called for the proposed rebuilding of the Jos Main Market by Jaiz Bank to be put on hold pending further consultations.

The proposed MOU by the Plateau state Government which will see the rebuilding of the Jos Main Market seems to have met further resistance as the Christain Association Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter and the coalition of indigenous Leaders of the tribes of Plateau State and Youths met with the plateau state Government over consultations on the rebuilding of the market.

Speaking to Journalist today in Jos shortly after the meeting held at the banquet hall of the Government House, Plateau state CAN Chairman, Rev Fr Polycarp Lubo said that they have advised the Government to put the deal on hold until proper consultations are being done.

He said that the major fear was JAIZ Bank being an interest-free bank and that the bank was sharia compliant and then coming to a Christian state. And it was not reasonable to mortgage the lives and properties of plateau citizens for 40years

He stated that they have advised the Government to sit and redress the proposed deal and also work towards addressing the concern and fears of the citizens before coming back to discuss.

“The resolution of all the persons convened at the meeting is that the deal should be put on hold but the Government has not responded yet but has promised to look into it and if they find any issue they will call our attention and also get back to us”

These people convened here are the real stakeholders and the Government did not consult any of them, even I was not consulted, however, we have confidence in the Government, they are there for the people so they will definitely listen to the People but our resolve is that they should put it on hold first” Rev Fr Polycarp stated

Recall that Controversy has trailed the proposed rebuilding of the burnt popular Jos ultra-modern Main Market following the state government’s discussion with Jaiz Bank.

The market, which was a major economic hub and significant contributor to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state, was burnt down in 2001.

However, soon after Governor Simon Lalong’s government entered into discussion with the Jaiz Bank, accusations were leveled against the state government from different quarters in the state, alleging that the government was ceding the market to an Islamic bank.