The Forum of 17 Local Government Chairmen of the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC) addresses Plateau youths and the general public on two urgent matters: the recent High Court judgment in _Fatima Baba Akawu & Anor v. Jos North LGC_, and the communication gaps around the Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme (P-YAEP/Barcfarm).
*1. On the High Court Judgment on Indigeneity*
We have reviewed the judgment of 9th June 2026 which ordered Jos North LGC to issue a Certificate of Indigene to a resident and declared “Residential Certificate” unconstitutional.
As LGA Chairmen who work directly with communities, we are concerned that this judgment, if unchallenged, touches one of the most sensitive foundations of peace in Plateau: the constitutional meaning of *indigeneity under Section 318(1) CFRN 1999*.
We state clearly:
1. *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.
2. *Indigeneity is about ancestral community membership*. The Constitution ties it to descent from communities indigenous to a state/LGA. It exists for Federal Character, LGA quotas, scholarships, chieftaincy, and protection of host communities. Birth or long residence does not, by itself, create indigeneity – _Abegunde v. Ondo State (2015) SC_.
3. *Plateau has paid too high a price on identity questions*. Land, chieftaincy, representation, and communal recognition are all tied to this issue. A judgment of this magnitude that was allegedly undefended by the LGC risks becoming a precedent that reopens old wounds instead of healing them.
We are not against any Nigerian resident in Jos North. We are for peace, fairness, and respect for the Constitution. We therefore call on Jos North LGC 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 the _Plateau Resolves 2004_ and relevant White Papers to guide any appellate process.
*2. On the Disposition of the State PYC Chairman & P-YAEP/Barcfarm*
The Forum of LGA Chairmen dissociates itself from the recent press release on the onboarding of the second batch of P-YAEP/Barcfarm participants. While we commend government efforts on youth agricultural empowerment, the statement did not reflect our position.
Our concern is not just about Barcfarm. 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. All efforts to get him to fulfill this responsibility have been ignored.
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. Transparency, inclusiveness, and local representation must guide every youth program.
*Our Position*
1. 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.
2. We demand that the State PYC Chairman rise to the occasion on security and indigenship matters, or allow the LGA Forum to speak for grassroots youths.
3. We are committed to working with government on Barcfarm and other empowerment programs, but only on terms of fairness, consultation, and respect for LG structures.
Plateau youths deserve leadership that speaks on the issues that affect their future. The court judgment on indigeneity is one of those issues. It is too weighty to be ignored.
*Signed:*
*Forum of 17 Local Government Chairmen*
Plateau State Youth Council (PYC)
Name of Chairman and Secretary – Forum
: Langtang North – Tangden Barnabas Bintim- Leader
Jos South – Dashe Pam
Bokkos – Mahwash Dakol
Jos East – Azi Markus
Langtang South – Ponfa Saul
Barki Ladi – Zang Apollos
Qua’an Pan – Eric Maimashi
Kanke – Gobring Nhandowe
Pankshin – Joel Kumshin
Shendam – Langkwap Jerry
Bassa – Timothy Raku Ngwe
Jos North – Paul Mancha
Riyom- Zang Kefas
Mangu- Reymond Dintong
Wase- Zakari Gambar
Kanam-Abdulrazaq Nuhu
Mikang – Barr. Israel Shepga
