Plateau State has struggled with the distinction between "indigene" and "settler" for decades, affecting access to jobs, education, and even life. This issue is similar to one faced by the United States after its Civil War. The US addressed this crisis by enshrining citizenship in its Constitution, specifically through the 14th Amendment in 1868. This amendment established that all persons born or naturalized in the US are citizens of the US and of the state they reside in.
The US approach to citizenship is national, not local. A person's citizenship does not change if they move from one state to another. In contrast, Plateau State's current system allows local governments to determine who is an indigene, leading to unequal treatment of residents. A Nigerian who has lived in Jos for 40 years, paid taxes, and built a house can still be denied an indigene certificate by their Local Government. This certificate is crucial for accessing various opportunities and services.
The US practices jus soli, or the right of the soil, which grants citizenship to individuals born in the country, regardless of their parents' origin. In Plateau State, a child born to parents who migrated from another state can still be considered a "settler" and denied indigene status. This has created a class of permanent strangers, even among third-generation residents. Adopting a similar approach to jus soli could help address this issue in Plateau State.
The US has a clear and legal process for naturalization, which does not rely on the discretion of local leaders. A foreigner can become a citizen by living in the US for five years, passing a test, and taking an oath. In Plateau State, there is no clear path for long-term residents to become indigenes, leaving the process open to politics and sentiment. Establishing a similar process could provide a more equitable solution.
The US system of citizenship was designed to protect minorities, particularly freed slaves, from local prejudice. In Plateau State, the indigene-settler dichotomy has often been used to protect majorities and punish minorities, fueling violence and crises. The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has an opportunity to address this issue by abolishing the politics of indigene certificates and replacing it with a residency-based system.
Implementing a residency-based system would not erase cultural identities but rather focus on providing equal rights to all residents. The various ethnic groups in Plateau State, including the Berom, Ngas, Afizere, Irigwe, Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, would be able to maintain their cultural heritage while enjoying equal rights as citizens. This approach could help Plateau State achieve its reputation as the "Home of Peace and Tourism."
Ultimately, Plateau State can learn from the US experience that a state cannot develop when a significant portion of its residents feel like visitors. By adopting a more inclusive and equitable approach to citizenship, Plateau State can take a crucial step towards promoting peace, stability, and development. The time is now for Plateau State to consider the lessons from the US and work towards a more unified and equitable society.
Key points
- Plateau State should push for a single, national citizenship that cannot be downgraded by local politics.
- The state should adopt jus soli, or the right of the soil, to grant citizenship to individuals born in the state.
- A clear and legal process for naturalization should be established to provide a more equitable solution for long-term residents.
