Penultimate week, Yobe state government awarded the construction of two modern markets in Potiskum and Gashua local government areas of the state at the sum of N5 billion to two different contractors, to boost the social-economic development of the state.
The news of the contract was received with mixed feeling with some cross-section of Yobe indigenes praising the developmental drive of the governor, while some see it as a misplacement of priority.
It will be recalled that Governor Mai Mala Buni, awarded a similar contract for the construction of Damaturu modern market at the rate of N2.8 billion at the commencement of his administration. The 600 lockup shops still under construction one year after it was awarded.
Mallam Modu Mustapha, a trader in Damaturu commended the effort of the government by constructing a modern market in the state capital and 2 other local governments of Potiskum and Gashua respectively.
“Damaturu the state capital needs a modern market to Carter for the needs of the populace and boost economic activities while providing employment to the teeming youths of the state that will venture into buying and selling, irrespective of the amount the government will spend on building these 3 modern markets , it is a well come idea.
Another trader corroborates Mallam Modu’s assertion on the construction of modern markets, saying ” Governor Mai Mala has formally shown that he is the son of the soil that knows what people at the grassroots wants. The market will attract traders from neighbouring state and enhance revenue generation if completed ” he said
But a renowned politician who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity sees the whole construction as a charade.
“We know Damaturu the state capital had been without a modern or organized market for long but the ongoing construction of 600 lockup shops in Damaturu will serve the whole state, including the neighboring states. Remember the Damaturu modern market was awarded at the sum of 2.8 billion naira and it is still under construction. I did not see the rationale behind spending another 5 billion to construct 2 other modern markets in the local government areas of Potiskum and Gashua. The governor would have used the 5 billion naira for other capital projects that will benefit the electorates that voted for him, like making pipe-borne water available ” he said