The Filin Sukuwa Community in Jos North Local Government Area, Thursday, expressed dismay over the halting of construction of a primary school in their locality by the Chairman of the local council, John Kyohroh Christopher.
Malam Rabiu Isyaka, a residents of the community, told journalists that while they were pleased with the construction of the only primary school, initiated by their representative at the Plateau State House of Assembly, the directive by the LGC chairman to halt the work was disappointing.
The Council’s Assistant Chief Information Officer, Philip Eplong, in a statement said the council chairman, John Kyohroh Christopher, had issued a; “stern warning to individuals and organisations constructing structures on the council’s land (Filin Sukuwa) at Pama Motor Adjacent Bauchi Junction to immediately halt further development.”
However, residents of the community argued that the chairman’s actions were detrimental to their overriding public interest.
“We are a community with a vast population, without a single public primary school. Our leaders sought the support of the member representing us at the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon Adamu Aliyu, to help build the school on the land allocated to the community by the state government.
“Unfortunately, the new LGC chairman, rather than supporting the work, has halted its construction,” Malam Rabiu Isyaka explained.
He emphasised that the halting of the building was unjustifiable and urged the council chairman to reconsider his stance, “if he truly supports the overall development of all communities within Jos North LGA.”
Another resident, Abdullahi Usman, pointed out that they acquired the land through lawful means, and there was a supporting court order in favour of the community.
“We have yet to see or hear any court order directing the stoppage of the building of a public primary school or any other important project that would develop our community.
“We are indeed surprised to hear that the LGC chairman has ordered the stoppage, and we see his action as detrimental to the overriding public interest. We call on him to consider the pressing needs of the school for the entire population of surrounding communities, not just ours,” he said.
