By SEKYEN WALSHAK
The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives, PIDAN, has rejected a recent Federal High Court judgment in Jos which held that a Hausa person born and raised in Jos North Local Government Area can be recognised as an indigene of the area and issued an indigene certificate.
The ruling, delivered by Justice C. Donglong in a case filed by Fatima Baba Akawu and her father, held that she could not be denied indigene status on account of her ethnic origin, describing the local government’s action as discriminatory and inconsistent with constitutional protections.
The court further held that children of a recognised indigene of Jos North are entitled to indigene certificates if born and raised within the area, and restrained the council from issuing residence certificates as a substitute for indigene certificates.
Reacting, PIDAN said it was surprised by the judgment, arguing that it conflicts with earlier commissions of inquiry and judicial interpretations that, in its view, had already defined the question of indigeneity in Jos North.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its president, Ambassador Danjuma Sheni, and secretary general, Comrade Danjuma Auta, the group said it convened an emergency meeting on Saturday to review the ruling.
PIDAN said, “the judgment appears to depart from established findings of previous commissions and court decisions.”
The group cited the Aribiton Fiberesima Commission of Inquiry (1994), the Niki Tobi Commission (2001), the Bola Ajibola Commission (2008) and the Plateau Peace Conference (2004), which it said identified the Afizere, Anaguta and Berom as the indigenous communities of Jos and Jos North.
It maintained that while other ethnic groups were recognised as residents and citizens entitled to constitutional rights, those commissions did not accord them indigenous status or ancestral ownership of the area.
PIDAN also referenced earlier litigation involving the Fiberesima Commission, stating that its findings were upheld by the Plateau State High Court and subsequently affirmed by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
The organisation said it would instruct its legal team to study the judgment and determine appropriate steps, including an appeal.
“The organisation will immediately instruct its legal team to study the judgement in detail and advise on the most appropriate line of action, including an appeal,” the statement said.
PIDAN stressed that while all Nigerians are entitled to constitutional rights regardless of residence, indigeneity remains rooted in ancestry and customary ownership.
It urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, and called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang and security agencies to maintain peace as the legal process continues.
The group added that it would keep the public informed on further developments in the case.