The Plateau State Government has called for calm and restraint following public reactions to a recent High Court judgment relating to the issuance of certificates of indigene and residency in Jos North Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on June 16 and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government expressed concern over what it described as heated commentaries capable of escalating tensions among communities in the state.

The government noted that while citizens have the constitutional right to express their views, such rights must be exercised responsibly to avoid actions or statements that could threaten public peace.

It emphasized that the Jos North Local Government Council, like any aggrieved party, has the legal right to appeal the judgment, urging all stakeholders to allow the judicial process to run its full course.

Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, the government stated that it would not allow any individual or group to exploit the situation to incite division or disrupt the long-standing peaceful coexistence in the state.

The statement further stressed that issues surrounding indigeneity, citizenship, and residency rights remain complex national matters that extend beyond Jos North and should not be politicised or misrepresented.

The government urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding, while resisting attempts to weaponise the situation.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to justice, fairness, inclusion and the protection of the rights and dignity of all residents of Plateau State, regardless of ethnic or religious background.

The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Plateau State Government, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap. (Zagazola)