The Forum of 17 Local Government Chairmen of the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC) has called for an immediate appeal of the recent High Court judgment directing Jos North Local Government Council to issue a Certificate of Indigene to a resident, warning that the ruling could have far-reaching implications for peace, identity, and constitutional order in Plateau State.
In a strongly worded statement issued on June 15, 2026, the youth leaders expressed concern over the June 9 judgment in Fatima Baba Akawu & Anor v. Jos North LGC, arguing that the decision touches on one of the most sensitive issues in the state—the constitutional definition of indigeneity.
The forum said while every Nigerian has the right to live, work, own property, and access services anywhere in the country, indigeneity remains a distinct constitutional matter tied to ancestral community membership and protected under existing legal provisions.
“We are not against any Nigerian resident in Jos North. We are for peace, fairness, and respect for the Constitution.”
According to the chairmen, issues such as land ownership, chieftaincy, representation, scholarships, and community recognition are deeply connected to indigeneity, making the judgment too significant to be ignored.
“Plateau has paid too high a price on identity questions. Land, chieftaincy, representation, and communal recognition are all tied to this issue.”
The forum further warned that allowing the judgment to stand without challenge could reopen old divisions and create a legal precedent capable of undermining years of efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the state.
Consequently, the youth leaders called on Jos North Local Government Council and the Plateau State Attorney General to urgently appeal the judgment and seek a stay of execution, while also urging the state government to make available the Plateau Resolves 2004 and relevant White Papers to guide the legal process.
Beyond the court ruling, the forum distanced itself from a recent statement on the onboarding of the second batch of beneficiaries under the Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme (P-YAEP/Barcfarm), insisting that the release did not represent the collective position of grassroots youth leadership across the state.
The chairmen also took a swipe at the State PYC leadership, accusing it of remaining silent on critical issues affecting young people, including insecurity and the ongoing indigeneity debate.
“For almost two years, the State PYC Chairman has remained silent on critical state matters where youths expect him to speak, including insecurity and the indigenship issues now before the courts.”
The forum argued that the Plateau Youth Council must remain an independent pressure group committed to advocacy and accountability rather than becoming an extension of government interests.
“A pressure group like PYC must not become an appendage of government. No one should use the name of Plateau youths to negotiate with government without consulting the 17 LGAs.”
Reaffirming its position, the forum declared support for the indigenous communities of Jos North, including the Afizere, Anaguta, and Berom ethnic groups, while emphasizing the need to protect the constitutional rights of all residents. The group also pledged continued engagement with government on youth empowerment initiatives, provided they are guided by fairness, transparency, consultation, and respect for local structures.
The statement was signed by representatives of the 17 Local Government Areas under the Plateau State Youth Council, led by Tangden Barnabas Bintim of Langtang North, alongside youth leaders from Jos South, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, Jos North, Mangu, Wase, Kanam, Mikang, and other LGAs across the state.
