Former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, Senator Jonah David Jang, has opposed proposals that would allow Hausa/Fulani residents in Plateau State to obtain indigene certificates, describing the issue as one with serious implications for the state’s identity, cultural heritage, and indigenous rights.
Jang made his position known amid renewed debates over citizenship, residency, and indigeneity in Plateau State following recent discussions on who qualifies for indigene status.
According to the former governor, indigene certificates have historically been tied to ethnic communities recognized as the original inhabitants of Plateau State and should not be granted solely on the basis of residence.
“Indigene certificates are historically linked to communities and ethnic groups recognized as the original inhabitants of Plateau State and should not be granted solely on the basis of long-term residence,” he stated.
While acknowledging that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside and conduct lawful activities in any part of the country, Jang argued that such rights do not automatically confer indigene status.
He maintained that indigeneity carries unique historical and cultural significance that should be preserved for indigenous communities.
“Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live and conduct lawful activities anywhere in the country, but such rights should not automatically translate into indigene status,” he said.
The former governor further stressed that maintaining a distinction between residents and indigenes is necessary to protect the heritage, interests, and political representation of native communities.
According to him, altering the existing framework could create tensions and undermine the rights of groups that have traditionally been recognized as indigenous to the state.
“Preserving the distinction between residents and indigenes is necessary to protect the interests, heritage, and political representation of indigenous communities,” Jang noted.
He urged policymakers and stakeholders to carefully consider any proposed changes relating to indigene certificates in order to avoid unintended consequences.
