A social commentator, Dogo Nanzing, has weighed in on the ongoing debate over indigeneity in Jos North Local Government Area, cautioning against what he described as attempts to alter Plateau State’s historical narrative following a recent High Court judgment on the issuance of indigene certificates.
Nanzing made his position known in a video posted on his social media platform and monitored by Jos Events, where he expressed concern over the controversies generated by the court ruling involving Fatima Baba Akawu and the Jos North Local Government Council.
The debate stems from a judgment delivered by Justice C. Donglong of the Plateau State High Court, which held that Fatima Baba Akawu, a Hausa woman born and raised in Jos North to a father recognized as an indigene of the area, is entitled to be issued a Certificate of Indigene by the local government.
Reacting to the ruling, Nanzing described the situation as an “existential battle” for Plateau people, alleging that some individuals were attempting to rewrite the historical realities of Jos North.
“Plateau in recent times has been going through what I call an existential battle. Certain people are desperately trying to rewrite our history and create narratives that are not true, especially as it relates to Jos North,” he said.
While emphasizing that his comments were not intended to promote ethnic division, Nanzing maintained that discussions surrounding land ownership, identity, and indigeneity must be grounded in truth and historical accuracy.
“This is not meant to cause division. I have many Hausa friends whom I respect, but when it comes to the issue of the land, I will always stand for the land,” he stated.
The commentator commended former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang, for what he described as his consistent advocacy on matters affecting the identity and interests of Plateau communities.
He also praised the Plateau Indigenous Development Association Network (PIDAN) for swiftly responding to the judgment and pursuing legal steps to challenge the ruling through the appellate process.
According to Nanzing, historical records and reports from previous commissions of inquiry should serve as the basis for public understanding of indigeneity issues rather than emotional arguments or politically motivated narratives.
He argued that claims suggesting Jos North originally belonged to Hausa/Fulani communities are inconsistent with available historical accounts, insisting that the indigenous ethnic groups of the area remain the Berom, Afizere, and Anaguta peoples.
“If anyone says Jos North originally belonged to Hausa/Fulani, then they should explain at what point in history the Berom, Afizere and Anaguta people took the land from them. History must be based on facts,” he said.
Nanzing further dismissed speculation linking the judgment to any political arrangement, insisting that there was no evidence connecting Governor Caleb Mutfwang to such allegations.
He called for renewed efforts to document, preserve, and teach Plateau history in schools, warning that future generations risk losing touch with their heritage if historical facts are not properly safeguarded.
Meanwhile, PIDAN has formally appealed the High Court judgment, arguing that the case raises broader constitutional and legal questions concerning indigeneity, ancestry, citizenship, and the rights of indigenous communities in Plateau State.
The association maintained that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside and engage in lawful activities anywhere in the country, the determination of indigene status should continue to be guided by established historical, constitutional, and legal principles.
As the controversy continues to generate debate across Plateau State, stakeholders are closely monitoring the appellate proceedings, which are expected to further shape discussions on identity, citizenship, and belonging in Jos North and beyond.
