HON. EDWARD PWAJOK, SAN, LB, KSG ADVISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE AND GET THE BUY IN OF THE PEOPLE BEFORE CONCLUDING THE MOU ON THE JOS MAIN MARKET

We have a House of Assembly. I have not heard from them , whether as a House or the views of individual members. They have the power of oversight over the Executive arm of Government and as our representatives, they have the right to speak out and the Constitution protects them .

 Were other Stakeholders carried along before drafting the MOU? The MOU mentioned interests of communities, were the communities identified and informed about the MOU and if so , which communities?

Was due diligence done before preparing the MOU? There is need for transparency and due diligence will help in that regard. Who is the contractor to carry out the construction. Who are the owners of the construction company and their shares. How did the company secure the  project ?

How did the state Govt itself become ‘the beneficial owner’ of the land? What is the root of title of the land? How did the Govt acquire the Land, are there no encumbrances on the land, were there no agreements entered into on the Market by the state Govt from Governor Dariye’s time and subsequent Governments and have the encumbrances ( if any) been cleared?

How did the parties arrive at the N9 billion + valuation figure? There may be need for an independent, expert valuation to confirm the figure contained in the MOU.

What is the fate of the Kabong market where Govt sank huge funds, in fact, borrowed funds to construct? Is it true that Govt ( with all its powers) cannot move traders to that market? 

In the light of present reality , is the Market even advisable in the present location and in the manner envisaged by the MOU? What does the Govt intend to do with the neighboring property ie the Hospital . 

What is the legality of the MOU given that ‘market’ is reserved for Local Governments by the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution?

These questions are not exhaustive but a public interaction where these and other critical questions can be answered needs to be organized. 

In view of the public interest and anxiety, I advise that the Government should listen to the people and get the buy in of the people before concluding the MOU. AThere is no reason in my view that is so compelling or urgent to make the Govt to rush the MOU when citizens are raising critical questions. 

E.G. PWAJOK, SAN, LB, KSG