The Chief Solomon Lar's report on sectarian crisis which engulfed Jos, Plateau State early this year has cited ethnic cleavages and allegedly pointed accusing fingers at the Governor Jonah Jang-led Government.
The Presidential Advisory Committee on the crisis headed by former Plateau State Governor, Solomon Lar recently recommended to the Federal Government the setting up of a Truth Commission, to end the indigene-settler constant face-off as part of efforts to end the ethno-religious commotion in Jos.
Competent source close to the committee said a huge part of the blame rests on the door-step of the Governor who has continuously fanned the embers of ethnicity and carrying it too far.
"I want to make it abundantly clear without pre-empting the submission of the report to Mr. President that Jang is our problem," the source said.
It was further revealed that the recommendations were divided into political, religious, ethnic and socio-economic aspects, adding that religion was not the major issue behind the crisis in Jos but that it was being exploited to win the sympathy of people.
Chief Solomon Lar who led the committee to present the report to Mr. President recently urged for the setting up of a Truth and Reconciliation Committee to re-establish trust among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in Jos North, and also suggested the re-planning of Jos in such a way as to make every part of the town, especially the existing slums, conveniently habitable by providing social amenities.
"Where some houses will have to be demolished to provide access roads as a result of the re-planning of the town, the committee recommends that government goes into consultation with affected persons, who must be properly relocated to areas where all basic amenities are also provided. The exercise should be done without intimidation or bias against any religion or tribe," our source said.
The Lar Committee also recommended the payment of compensation to victims of the crisis, and prayed the Federal Government to play a major part.
The Federal Government and the National Assembly was called upon by the panel to define the concept of indigene-settler and the rights of every Nigerian wherever they live.
JO
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