A social commentator, Dogo Nanzing, has joined the ongoing debate surrounding indigeneity in Jos North Local Government Area, warning against what he described as attempts to distort Plateau State’s history following the recent High Court judgment on the issuance of indigene certificates.
Nanzing made the remarks in a video posted on his social media platform while monitored by Clusterchannel, where he expressed concern over growing controversies generated by the court ruling involving Fatima Baba Akawu and Jos North Local Government Council.
The debate followed a judgment delivered by Justice C. Donglong of the Plateau State High Court, which declared 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 development, Nanzing described the situation as an “existential battle” for Plateau people, alleging that certain individuals were attempting to rewrite the history 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 come up with narratives that are not true, especially as it relates to Jos North,” he said.
While stressing that his comments were not intended to promote division, he said issues relating to land ownership and identity must be approached with sincerity 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 also praised former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang, for consistently speaking on issues affecting the identity and interests of Plateau communities.
He further commended the Plateau Indigenous Development Association Network (PIDAN) for quickly responding to the court judgment and taking steps to challenge it through legal means.
According to him, historical records, including reports of past commissions of inquiry, should guide public understanding of the indigeneity question rather than emotional narratives.
Nanzing argued that claims suggesting Jos North originally belonged to Hausa/Fulani communities were inconsistent with historical accounts, maintaining that the indigenous communities of the area remain the Berom, Afizere and Anaguta ethnic groups.
“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.
The social commentator also dismissed speculations that the judgment was the result of any political arrangement, insisting that there was no evidence linking Governor Caleb Mutfwang to such claims.
He called for greater efforts to document and teach Plateau history in schools, warning that younger generations could lose touch with their heritage if historical facts are not properly preserved.
Meanwhile, PIDAN has formally challenged the judgment by appealing the decision. The group argued that the ruling raises broader constitutional questions relating to indigeneity, ancestry, and the rights of indigenous communities in Plateau State.
The association maintained that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside and conduct lawful activities anywhere in the country, issues of indigene status should continue to be guided by historical, constitutional, and legal principles.
As the controversy continues, stakeholders across Plateau State are closely watching the appellate process, which is expected to further shape discussions on identity, citizenship, and belonging in Jos North and beyond.
