JOS: Hausa woman sparks tensions after court verdict on indigenisation
By Golok Nanmwa
Blessed with a temperate climate, rich cultural diversity, and a history as one of Nigeria’s foremost commercial centres, Jos North Local Government Area occupies a unique place in Plateau State and the nation’s social and economic life.
For decades, the area has served as a meeting point for ethnic nationalities, religions, and economic interests, earning a reputation as a city built on coexistence, enterprise, and shared aspirations.
From the old tin mining era to its emergence as a modern administrative and commercial hub, Jos North has continued to attract generations of Nigerians in search of opportunity and belonging.
Markets, schools, places of worship, and neighbourhoods reflect a long tradition of interaction among indigenous communities and long-settled residents who have contributed to the area’s growth.
Yet beneath its cosmopolitan identity lies one of Nigeria’s most difficult conversations , balancing ancestral heritage with constitutional citizenship in a multi-ethnic society.
That long-running debate has once again returned to national attention following a recent court judgment on indigeneity in Jos North.
A judgment delivered by Justice C. Donglong of Plateau State High Court 17 on June 9, 2026, has reopened one of Nigeria’s most sensitive questions who qualifies as an indigene?
The court held that a Hausa woman born and raised in Jos North Local Government Area is entitled to recognition as an indigene and should be issued a Certificate of Indigeneity.
The judgment, which granted all reliefs sought by the claimants, Fatima Baba Akawu and her father, Baba Alhaji Akawu, immediately triggered reactions across Plateau State, legal challenges, and renewed conversations on citizenship, identity, and constitutional rights.
At the centre of the dispute are issues that have shaped political participation, access to opportunities, and social relations in Plateau State for decades.
The Judgment
The suit arose from the refusal of Jos North Local Government Council to issue an indigene certificate to Fatima Baba Akawu, despite her claim that she was born and raised in the area and that her father is recognised as an indigene.
The applicants approached the court seeking determination of key issues, including whether Fatima, by virtue of her birth in Jos North to a father regarded as a bona fide indigene, was entitled to recognition irrespective of ethnic origin.
They also challenged the council’s decision to issue her a Residential Certificate, while another applicant of Berom origin allegedly received a Certificate of Indigene under similar circumstances.
Delivering judgment, Justice Donglong ruled in favour of the claimants, stating that:
“Pursuant to a careful and diligent consideration of all the processes before this court, this Originating Summons is meritorious and ought to be granted.”
The court further held: “This court is particularly moved by the constitutional imperative to protect every Nigerian citizen’s right to freedom from discrimination on grounds of ethnic origin and the circumstances of birth.”
Justice Donglong described the issuance of a Residential Certificate to the claimant, while another applicant received a Certificate of Indigene, as:
“A reprehensible act of ethnic discrimination inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the Constitution.”
The court held that by virtue of Section 25(1)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), biological children of a recognised indigene born and raised in Jos North are entitled to be recognised as indigenes.
It further restrained the council from issuing Residential Certificates as substitutes for indigene certificates, describing the practice as unknown to law and without legal effect.
Move to Set Aside Judgment
The judgment prompted an immediate reaction from Jos North Local Government Council.
Through a Motion on Notice filed before the Plateau State High Court, the council sought to set aside the ruling and all consequential orders.
It argued that proceedings were conducted without proper service and in breach of fair hearing provisions.
An affidavit deposed to by the Chairman of Jos North Local Government, Barr. John K. Christopher, stated that the council only became aware of the judgment on June 11, two days after it was delivered.
The council said: “The Defendant/Applicant who was never served with requisite hearing notice was denied its right to fair hearing.”
It further alleged inconsistencies in hearing notices, claiming that documents indicated proceedings in Pankshin Judicial Division while the matter was heard in Jos.
“Following the hearing notice which purported to have been issued by the Pankshin Judicial Division, the Applicant’s staff was at the High Court, Pankshin, but was informed that no such case was pending,” the affidavit stated.
The council maintained that it would have fully participated in the proceedings if properly notified and therefore urged the court to restore the matter for hearing on its merits.
As of press time, no hearing date had been fixed.
Plateau Government
Calls for Calm
Reacting to the growing public debate, the Plateau State Government urged restraint and strict adherence to due process.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government expressed concern over narratives capable of escalating tensions.
“Government is deeply concerned by the manner in which the subject has generated heated public debates and commentaries capable of heightening tension among communities that have coexisted peacefully for decades,” the statement read.
It reaffirmed that citizens are free to express opinions but urged caution, adding: “Jos North Local Government Council, like any dissatisfied party, retains the constitutional and legal right to seek redress through the appellate process.”
Government also warned against attempts to exploit the situation, stating:
“Government will not stand by and allow individuals or groups with vested interests to incite hatred, sow division, promote suspicion or undermine peaceful coexistence.”
PIDAN Rejects Judgment, Seeks Appeal
The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) also reacted after an emergency meeting held on June 13.
The group called for calm but insisted it would pursue legal redress.
“PIDAN, in collaboration with other institutions, will explore every available legal and constitutional means, including an immediate appeal,” it said.
PIDAN described the ruling as surprising, given what it called existing judicial precedents.
“The first reaction of PIDAN and most indigenes of Plateau State is shock and consternation that such a judgment could be delivered despite existing judicial precedents,” it stated.
The group referenced earlier panels including the Fiberesima Commission (1994), Niki Tobi Commission (2001), Bola Ajibola Commission (2008), and the Plateau Peace Conference, maintaining that: “No single judgment can erase long-established legal history, gazetted white papers and Supreme Court decisions.”
Local Government Chairmen Forum, PYC Position
The Forum of 17 Local Government Chairmen of the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC) also issued a position paper on the judgment and related matters.
In their statement, they said: “We have reviewed the judgment of June 9, 2026, which ordered Jos North Local Government Council to issue a Certificate of Indigene to a resident and declared the ‘Residential Certificate’ unconstitutional.”
They stressed that citizenship belongs to all Nigerians but maintained that indigeneity remains tied to ancestral community membership:
“Citizenship is for all Nigerians. Every Nigerian born anywhere in Nigeria has full rights to live, work, own property, and access services in Jos North and across Plateau. We defend that.”
“Indigeneity is about ancestral community membership. The Constitution ties it to descent from communities indigenous to a state or local government area. It exists for Federal Character, LGA quotas, scholarships, chieftaincy, and protection of host communities. Birth or long residence does not, by itself, create indigeneity.”
They warned that Plateau has suffered heavily from identity-related tensions.
Their statement was signed by representatives of the 17 Local Government Areas including Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, Mangu, Langtang North, Langtang South, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Pankshin, Shendam, Qua’an Pan, Kanke, Kanam, Wase, Mikang, Bokkos, and Jos East.
“Plateau has paid too high a price on identity questions. A judgment of this magnitude, allegedly undefended by the Local Government Council, risks becoming a precedent that reopens old wounds instead of healing them.”
They therefore called for legal action: “We call on Jos North Local Government Council and the Plateau State Attorney General to urgently appeal the judgment and seek a stay of execution. We also call on the State Government to make available relevant White Papers to guide the appellate process.”
“We stand with the natives of Jos North — Afizere, Anaguta, Berom — and all host communities in defending constitutional identity while protecting the rights of all residents. We are committed to peace, fairness, and constitutional order.”
A resident, Azi Bature, said the ruling should be handled strictly within the ambit of the law, noting that emotions must not be allowed to influence the judicial process.
“This is a constitutional issue that goes beyond Jos North. The legal process should be allowed to run its course,” he said.
Another resident, Jok Juliet, urged restraint and unity among communities, stressing that all parties must avoid blame and inflammatory comments.
“This is not a time for apportioning blame, whether to the court or the local government council. All hands must be on deck, devoid of emotions and parochial sentiments, to dispassionately seek ways of resolving the situation without escalation.
While ancestry must be respected, people must also remain patriotic and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state,” she said.
A Yoruba community member who has lived in Jos North for several decades, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as delicate and urged calm among residents.
“Jos has been home to many of us for years. What we need now is understanding, patience and dialogue, not division. Everyone living here has contributed in one way or another to the growth of this place, and we must not allow this matter to destroy peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Another resident, Mr. Gyang Rwang, warned against politicising the issue, saying it could worsen tensions in the area.
“This matter should not be used to inflame tensions. Peace must come first. Whatever disagreements exist should be resolved through lawful and peaceful means,” he said.
Road ahead
For now, the matter remains before the courts as legal and political stakeholders continue to call for restraint, dialogue, and constitutional engagement.
JOS:
Hausa woman sparks fresh tensions after court verdict on indigenisation
By Golok Nanmwa
Blessed with a temperate climate,
rich cultural diversity, and a history
as one of Nigeria’s foremost commercial centres, Jos North Local Government Area occupies a unique place in Plateau State and the nation’s social and economic life.
For decades, the area has served as a meeting point for ethnic nationalities, religions, and economic interests, earning a reputation as a city built on coexistence, enterprise, and shared aspirations.
From the old tin mining era to its emergence as a modern administrative and commercial hub, Jos North has continued to attract generations of Nigerians in search of opportunity and belonging.
Markets, schools, places of worship, and neighbourhoods reflect a long tradition of interaction among indigenous communities and long-settled residents who have contributed to the area’s growth.
Yet beneath its cosmopolitan identity lies one of Nigeria’s most difficult conversations , balancing ancestral heritage with constitutional citizenship in a multi-ethnic society.
That long-running debate has once again returned to national attention following a recent court judgment on indigeneity in Jos North.
A judgment delivered by Justice C. Donglong of Plateau State High Court 17 on June 9, 2026, has reopened one of Nigeria’s most sensitive questions who qualifies as an indigene?
The court held that a Hausa woman born and raised in Jos North Local Government Area is entitled to recognition as an indigene and should be issued a Certificate of Indigeneity.
The judgment, which granted all reliefs sought by the claimants, Fatima Baba Akawu and her father, Baba Alhaji Akawu, immediately triggered reactions across Plateau State, legal challenges, and renewed conversations on citizenship, identity, and constitutional rights.
At the centre of the dispute are issues that have shaped political participation, access to opportunities, and social relations in Plateau State for decades.
The Judgment
The suit arose from the refusal of Jos North Local Government Council to issue an indigene certificate to Fatima Baba Akawu, despite her claim that she was born and raised in the area and that her father is recognised as an indigene.
The applicants approached the court seeking determination of key issues, including whether Fatima, by virtue of her birth in Jos North to a father regarded as a bona fide indigene, was entitled to recognition irrespective of ethnic origin.
They also challenged the council’s decision to issue her a Residential Certificate, while another applicant of Berom origin allegedly received a Certificate of Indigene under similar circumstances.
Delivering judgment, Justice Donglong ruled in favour of the claimants, stating that:
“Pursuant to a careful and diligent consideration of all the processes before this court, this Originating Summons is meritorious and ought to be granted.”
The court further held: “This court is particularly moved by the constitutional imperative to protect every Nigerian citizen’s right to freedom from discrimination on grounds of ethnic origin and the circumstances of birth.”
Justice Donglong described the issuance of a Residential Certificate to the claimant, while another applicant received a Certificate of Indigene, as:
“A reprehensible act of ethnic discrimination inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the Constitution.”
The court held that by virtue of Section 25(1)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), biological children of a recognised indigene born and raised in Jos North are entitled to be recognised as indigenes.
It further restrained the council from issuing Residential Certificates as substitutes for indigene certificates, describing the practice as unknown to law and without legal effect.
Move to Set Aside Judgment
The judgment prompted an immediate reaction from Jos North Local Government Council.
Through a Motion on Notice filed before the Plateau State High Court, the council sought to set aside the ruling and all consequential orders.
It argued that proceedings were conducted without proper service and in breach of fair hearing provisions.
An affidavit deposed to by the Chairman of Jos North Local Government, Barr. John K. Christopher, stated that the council only became aware of the judgment on June 11, two days after it was delivered.
The council said: “The Defendant/Applicant who was never served with requisite hearing notice was denied its right to fair hearing.”
It further alleged inconsistencies in hearing notices, claiming that documents indicated proceedings in Pankshin Judicial Division while the matter was heard in Jos.
“Following the hearing notice which purported to have been issued by the Pankshin Judicial Division, the Applicant’s staff was at the High Court, Pankshin, but was informed that no such case was pending,” the affidavit stated.
The council maintained that it would have fully participated in the proceedings if properly notified and therefore urged the court to restore the matter for hearing on its merits.
As of press time, no hearing date had been fixed.
Plateau Government
Calls for Calm
Reacting to the growing public debate, the Plateau State Government urged restraint and strict adherence to due process.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government expressed concern over narratives capable of escalating tensions.
“Government is deeply concerned by the manner in which the subject has generated heated public debates and commentaries capable of heightening tension among communities that have coexisted peacefully for decades,” the statement read.
It reaffirmed that citizens are free to express opinions but urged caution, adding: “Jos North Local Government Council, like any dissatisfied party, retains the constitutional and legal right to seek redress through the appellate process.”
Government also warned against attempts to exploit the situation, stating:
“Government will not stand by and allow individuals or groups with vested interests to incite hatred, sow division, promote suspicion or undermine peaceful coexistence.”
PIDAN Rejects Judgment, Seeks Appeal
The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) also reacted after an emergency meeting held on June 13.
The group called for calm but insisted it would pursue legal redress.
“PIDAN, in collaboration with other institutions, will explore every available legal and constitutional means, including an immediate appeal,” it said.
PIDAN described the ruling as surprising, given what it called existing judicial precedents.
“The first reaction of PIDAN and most indigenes of Plateau State is shock and consternation that such a judgment could be delivered despite existing judicial precedents,” it stated.
The group referenced earlier panels including the Fiberesima Commission (1994), Niki Tobi Commission (2001), Bola Ajibola Commission (2008), and the Plateau Peace Conference, maintaining that: “No single judgment can erase long-established legal history, gazetted white papers and Supreme Court decisions.”
Local Government Chairmen Forum, PYC Position
The Forum of 17 Local Government Chairmen of the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC) also issued a position paper on the judgment and related matters.
In their statement, they said: “We have reviewed the judgment of June 9, 2026, which ordered Jos North Local Government Council to issue a Certificate of Indigene to a resident and declared the ‘Residential Certificate’ unconstitutional.”
They stressed that citizenship belongs to all Nigerians but maintained that indigeneity remains tied to ancestral community membership:
“Citizenship is for all Nigerians. Every Nigerian born anywhere in Nigeria has full rights to live, work, own property, and access services in Jos North and across Plateau. We defend that.”
“Indigeneity is about ancestral community membership. The Constitution ties it to descent from communities indigenous to a state or local government area. It exists for Federal Character, LGA quotas, scholarships, chieftaincy, and protection of host communities. Birth or long residence does not, by itself, create indigeneity.”
They warned that Plateau has suffered heavily from identity-related tensions.
Their statement was signed by representatives of the 17 Local Government Areas including Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, Mangu, Langtang North, Langtang South, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Pankshin, Shendam, Qua’an Pan, Kanke, Kanam, Wase, Mikang, Bokkos, and Jos East.
“Plateau has paid too high a price on identity questions. A judgment of this magnitude, allegedly undefended by the Local Government Council, risks becoming a precedent that reopens old wounds instead of healing them.”
They therefore called for legal action: “We call on Jos North Local Government Council and the Plateau State Attorney General to urgently appeal the judgment and seek a stay of execution. We also call on the State Government to make available relevant White Papers to guide the appellate process.”
“We stand with the natives of Jos North — Afizere, Anaguta, Berom — and all host communities in defending constitutional identity while protecting the rights of all residents. We are committed to peace, fairness, and constitutional order.”
A resident, Azi Bature, said the ruling should be handled strictly within the ambit of the law, noting that emotions must not be allowed to influence the judicial process.
“This is a constitutional issue that goes beyond Jos North. The legal process should be allowed to run its course,” he said.
Another resident, Jok Juliet, urged restraint and unity among communities, stressing that all parties must avoid blame and inflammatory comments.
“This is not a time for apportioning blame, whether to the court or the local government council. All hands must be on deck, devoid of emotions and parochial sentiments, to dispassionately seek ways of resolving the situation without escalation.
While ancestry must be respected, people must also remain patriotic and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state,” she said.
A Yoruba community member who has lived in Jos North for several decades, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as delicate and urged calm among residents.
“Jos has been home to many of us for years. What we need now is understanding, patience and dialogue, not division. Everyone living here has contributed in one way or another to the growth of this place, and we must not allow this matter to destroy peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Another resident, Mr. Gyang Rwang, warned against politicising the issue, saying it could worsen tensions in the area.
“This matter should not be used to inflame tensions. Peace must come first. Whatever disagreements exist should be resolved through lawful and peaceful means,” he said.
Road ahead
For now, the matter remains before the courts as legal and political stakeholders continue to call for restraint, dialogue, and constitutional engagement.
x
By Golok Nanmwa
Blessed with a temperate climate,
rich cultural diversity, and a history
as one of Nigeria’s foremost commercial centres, Jos North Local Government Area occupies a unique place in Plateau State and the nation’s social and economic life.
For decades, the area has served as a meeting point for ethnic nationalities, religions, and economic interests, earning a reputation as a city built on coexistence, enterprise, and shared aspirations.
From the old tin mining era to its emergence as a modern administrative and commercial hub, Jos North has continued to attract generations of Nigerians in search of opportunity and belonging.
Markets, schools, places of worship, and neighbourhoods reflect a long tradition of interaction among indigenous communities and long-settled residents who have contributed to the area’s growth.
Yet beneath its cosmopolitan identity lies one of Nigeria’s most difficult conversations , balancing ancestral heritage with constitutional citizenship in a multi-ethnic society.
That long-running debate has once again returned to national attention following a recent court judgment on indigeneity in Jos North.
A judgment delivered by Justice C. Donglong of Plateau State High Court 17 on June 9, 2026, has reopened one of Nigeria’s most sensitive questions who qualifies as an indigene?
The court held that a Hausa woman born and raised in Jos North Local Government Area is entitled to recognition as an indigene and should be issued a Certificate of Indigeneity.
The judgment, which granted all reliefs sought by the claimants, Fatima Baba Akawu and her father, Baba Alhaji Akawu, immediately triggered reactions across Plateau State, legal challenges, and renewed conversations on citizenship, identity, and constitutional rights.
At the centre of the dispute are issues that have shaped political participation, access to opportunities, and social relations in Plateau State for decades.
The Judgment
The suit arose from the refusal of Jos North Local Government Council to issue an indigene certificate to Fatima Baba Akawu, despite her claim that she was born and raised in the area and that her father is recognised as an indigene.
The applicants approached the court seeking determination of key issues, including whether Fatima, by virtue of her birth in Jos North to a father regarded as a bona fide indigene, was entitled to recognition irrespective of ethnic origin.
They also challenged the council’s decision to issue her a Residential Certificate, while another applicant of Berom origin allegedly received a Certificate of Indigene under similar circumstances.
Delivering judgment, Justice Donglong ruled in favour of the claimants, stating that:
“Pursuant to a careful and diligent consideration of all the processes before this court, this Originating Summons is meritorious and ought to be granted.”
The court further held: “This court is particularly moved by the constitutional imperative to protect every Nigerian citizen’s right to freedom from discrimination on grounds of ethnic origin and the circumstances of birth.”
Justice Donglong described the issuance of a Residential Certificate to the claimant, while another applicant received a Certificate of Indigene, as:
“A reprehensible act of ethnic discrimination inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the Constitution.”
The court held that by virtue of Section 25(1)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), biological children of a recognised indigene born and raised in Jos North are entitled to be recognised as indigenes.
It further restrained the council from issuing Residential Certificates as substitutes for indigene certificates, describing the practice as unknown to law and without legal effect.
Move to Set Aside Judgment
The judgment prompted an immediate reaction from Jos North Local Government Council.
Through a Motion on Notice filed before the Plateau State High Court, the council sought to set aside the ruling and all consequential orders.
It argued that proceedings were conducted without proper service and in breach of fair hearing provisions.
An affidavit deposed to by the Chairman of Jos North Local Government, Barr. John K. Christopher, stated that the council only became aware of the judgment on June 11, two days after it was delivered.
The council said: “The Defendant/Applicant who was never served with requisite hearing notice was denied its right to fair hearing.”
It further alleged inconsistencies in hearing notices, claiming that documents indicated proceedings in Pankshin Judicial Division while the matter was heard in Jos.
“Following the hearing notice which purported to have been issued by the Pankshin Judicial Division, the Applicant’s staff was at the High Court, Pankshin, but was informed that no such case was pending,” the affidavit stated.
The council maintained that it would have fully participated in the proceedings if properly notified and therefore urged the court to restore the matter for hearing on its merits.
As of press time, no hearing date had been fixed.
Plateau Government
Calls for Calm
Reacting to the growing public debate, the Plateau State Government urged restraint and strict adherence to due process.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government expressed concern over narratives capable of escalating tensions.
“Government is deeply concerned by the manner in which the subject has generated heated public debates and commentaries capable of heightening tension among communities that have coexisted peacefully for decades,” the statement read.
It reaffirmed that citizens are free to express opinions but urged caution, adding: “Jos North Local Government Council, like any dissatisfied party, retains the constitutional and legal right to seek redress through the appellate process.”
Government also warned against attempts to exploit the situation, stating:
“Government will not stand by and allow individuals or groups with vested interests to incite hatred, sow division, promote suspicion or undermine peaceful coexistence.”
PIDAN Rejects Judgment, Seeks Appeal
The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) also reacted after an emergency meeting held on June 13.
The group called for calm but insisted it would pursue legal redress.
“PIDAN, in collaboration with other institutions, will explore every available legal and constitutional means, including an immediate appeal,” it said.
PIDAN described the ruling as surprising, given what it called existing judicial precedents.
“The first reaction of PIDAN and most indigenes of Plateau State is shock and consternation that such a judgment could be delivered despite existing judicial precedents,” it stated.
The group referenced earlier panels including the Fiberesima Commission (1994), Niki Tobi Commission (2001), Bola Ajibola Commission (2008), and the Plateau Peace Conference, maintaining that: “No single judgment can erase long-established legal history, gazetted white papers and Supreme Court decisions.”
Local Government Chairmen Forum, PYC Position
The Forum of 17 Local Government Chairmen of the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC) also issued a position paper on the judgment and related matters.
In their statement, they said: “We have reviewed the judgment of June 9, 2026, which ordered Jos North Local Government Council to issue a Certificate of Indigene to a resident and declared the ‘Residential Certificate’ unconstitutional.”
They stressed that citizenship belongs to all Nigerians but maintained that indigeneity remains tied to ancestral community membership:
“Citizenship is for all Nigerians. Every Nigerian born anywhere in Nigeria has full rights to live, work, own property, and access services in Jos North and across Plateau. We defend that.”
“Indigeneity is about ancestral community membership. The Constitution ties it to descent from communities indigenous to a state or local government area. It exists for Federal Character, LGA quotas, scholarships, chieftaincy, and protection of host communities. Birth or long residence does not, by itself, create indigeneity.”
They warned that Plateau has suffered heavily from identity-related tensions.
Their statement was signed by representatives of the 17 Local Government Areas including Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, Mangu, Langtang North, Langtang South, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Pankshin, Shendam, Qua’an Pan, Kanke, Kanam, Wase, Mikang, Bokkos, and Jos East.
“Plateau has paid too high a price on identity questions. A judgment of this magnitude, allegedly undefended by the Local Government Council, risks becoming a precedent that reopens old wounds instead of healing them.”
They therefore called for legal action: “We call on Jos North Local Government Council and the Plateau State Attorney General to urgently appeal the judgment and seek a stay of execution. We also call on the State Government to make available relevant White Papers to guide the appellate process.”
“We stand with the natives of Jos North — Afizere, Anaguta, Berom — and all host communities in defending constitutional identity while protecting the rights of all residents. We are committed to peace, fairness, and constitutional order.”
A resident, Azi Bature, said the ruling should be handled strictly within the ambit of the law, noting that emotions must not be allowed to influence the judicial process.
“This is a constitutional issue that goes beyond Jos North. The legal process should be allowed to run its course,” he said.
Another resident, Jok Juliet, urged restraint and unity among communities, stressing that all parties must avoid blame and inflammatory comments.
“This is not a time for apportioning blame, whether to the court or the local government council. All hands must be on deck, devoid of emotions and parochial sentiments, to dispassionately seek ways of resolving the situation without escalation.
While ancestry must be respected, people must also remain patriotic and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state,” she said.
A Yoruba community member who has lived in Jos North for several decades, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as delicate and urged calm among residents.
“Jos has been home to many of us for years. What we need now is understanding, patience and dialogue, not division. Everyone living here has contributed in one way or another to the growth of this place, and we must not allow this matter to destroy peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Another resident, Mr. Gyang Rwang, warned against politicising the issue, saying it could worsen tensions in the area.
“This matter should not be used to inflame tensions. Peace must come first. Whatever disagreements exist should be resolved through lawful and peaceful means,” he said.
Road ahead
For now, the matter remains before the courts as legal and political stakeholders continue to call for restraint, dialogue, and constitutional engagement.
The post JOS: Hausa woman sparks tensions after court verdict on indigenisation appeared first on Vanguard News.