Plateau Crisis: The Issue of Indigene/Settler Dichotomy

By

Bernard Doro

doroben@hotmail.com

A lot has been said on the recent crisis that engulfed the Plateau which culminated to the declaration of a state of emergency, suspension of democratic structures and the appointment of a sole administrator in the State for an initial period of six months. This piece is not to add to such comments, but to X-ray the issue of Indigene/Settler dichotomy which is currently being debated nationally with reference to Plateau state.

I find it sickening and nauseating to read most of the comments on this sensitive issue even by well respected elites in this country, because of the share bias, lack of sincerity and the politicization of the issue. Nigeria has been this slow in advancement both socially, technologically and otherwise because our leaders lack the political will to neither make truthful comments nor accept values and ideas which challenge the status quo and dominant vested interest of the political class for fair of imaginary victimization! Truth exalts a nation but falsehood will only lead to its destruction.

The governor of Jigawa State , Saminu Turaki has been vocal of recent especially his well publicized statement referring to the likes of Gens. Gowon, IBB, Buhari, and former president Shagari as settlers in their respective communities. Of course, the issue of indigeneship/settlership has suddenly become very topical because somebody wants to eat his cake and have it. Less I’m misunderstood, I support the view that every Nigerian should live and conduct business wherever he/she chooses without harassment. However, I don’t support colonization of the host community in any form by any Nigerian living in such area of choice. 

The same people who see everything wrong in indigene/settler dichotomy, do not see any wrong in agitating for rotational presidency, complying with federal character in appointment of ministers/advisers etc, quarter system in recruitment of workers (armed forces, police and other paramilitary personnel) and admission into universities and colleges of higher studies, to mention but a few. In fact, in completing the various application form for the above federal establishments, you have to indicate your local Government and State of origin. Many prominent Nigerians representing their zones have argued that power should shift for sustenance of democracy and to give a sense of stake to the different components of the country. Or is not the same argument that led to the establishment of federal character commission? Should a qualified Igbo or Yoruba person contest for the presidency if eventually it is zoned to the north? Would the proponent of abolition of indigene/settler dichotomy support such a person if it happens? Double standard or hypocrisy you would say! 

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, with the illiteracy level of the people very high and political offices are still being seen as welfare and a way of empowering the office holder and his immediate constituency, instead of it being for service. The current political players do not think nor act otherwise! Take a survey of all political office holders across the land and it will not take you time to concur with my position. For this and other reasons, it will be difficult for a Plateau indigene for example to accept a Kano indigene settler as political representative of his area and vice versa. Would a Yoruba man from Ogun State be comfortable to relinquish his ministerial slot to a Shagamu Hausa settler? Would the Igbos accept a Yoruba as a political representative of their area because such a person is settled there for a long time? I do not anticipate such circumstances occurring in this country in the next century! Late Dr. Azikiwe would have been in a position to share his experience were he alive! Who is then interested in crucifying the indigenes of Plateau State or is it a situation where a dog is given a bad name in order to hang it?

I believe the current spade of crisis in the country cannot be solved with appeasement through white-wash solutions neither does the solution lie in intimidation or declaration of state of emergency. The Nigerian citizen has a right to good governance through provision of quality education, access to healthcare, justice etc, and accountability in leadership as against the dictatorial tendencies that are characteristic of the current regime. The issue of indigene/settler dichotomy will die naturally as seen in developed world if leaders do the right things in their rule and inculcate service-oriented spirit. There must be genuine and deliberate steps to better the lives of Nigerians, ensuring security of lives and property, as well as practicing the rule of law.

In conclusion, I know that the Plateau indigenes are not hostile to their guests as is being portrayed in some quarters for so long as their cultures and values are respected. But I also know that the indigenes will find it difficult to accommodate visitors-turned-LORDS over their host without prejudice to the constitutional rights of every Nigerian citizen. Whatever is applicable in the other parts of the country should hold in plateau state since it does not live in isolation but is part of the federal republic of Nigeria .

Bernard Doro

Writes from Milton Keynes , UK