One Plateau, One Voice has expressed deep concerned and advised the public to treat a purported invitation letter circulating on social media announcing the conferment of the title “Sarkin Yakin Jos” on a former public office holder by a group styling itself as the Forum for Concerned Jos Community Elders and Stakeholders with utmost caution, described the actions capable of creating confusion over matters that fall within the exclusive preserve of duly constituted traditional institutions.
Accorsing to One Plateau, one Vioce, the title “Sarkin Yakin Jos” is one with profound historical, cultural, and traditional implications. It is therefore imperative that any claim relating to such a title must emanate from, or be expressly endorsed by, the appropriate and recognized traditional institution vested with the customary authority to do so.
A statement issued by Dogo Nanzing, the Convener, for One Plateau, One Voic, stated that, while the recognize the constitutional rights of citizens to freely associate and honor deserving individual, any action that is capable of generating suspicion, inflaming passions, or reopening historical sensitivities should be avoided in the overriding interest of peace.
Accorfing to the statement, “recent developments have shown increasing attempts by certain individuals and groups to propagate narratives that seek to redefine historical realities and advance divisive claims capable of undermining the peaceful coexistence that Plateau people have worked tirelessly to rebuild. Whether deliberate or otherwise, any action that creates unnecessary controversy around the identity, history, or traditional heritage of Jos has the potential to become a source of avoidable tension.
One Plateau, One Vioce, a group driven by community members focus on preserving identity, securing human rights, and fostering socio-cultural heritage of the indigenous population, stressed that, “At a time when Plateau State is witnessing sustained efforts by government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and peace advocates to consolidate peace and foster harmonious coexistence among all communities, every individual and group must exercise the highest degree of responsibility.
“One Plateau, One Voice therefore urges all Plateau indigenes and all peace-loving residents of the state to completely disregard any unauthorized claims or activities that seek to appropriate or distort the authority of our recognized traditional institutions. Plateau’s history, cultural heritage, and traditional structures must never become instruments for political manipulation or sectional interests.
“We also wish to caution that, given the prevailing security realities, no individual or group should take actions that may inadvertently provide an opportunity for enemies of peace to exploit existing sensitivities or provoke unnecessary confrontation. Plateau has paid dearly for conflicts of the past, and no responsible citizen should lend support to actions capable of reversing the hard-earned gains recorded in recent years.
“We therefore call upon all Plateau people to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and steadfast in their commitment to unity. Citizens should remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity, unauthorized public ceremony, or gathering that appears capable of threatening public peace or undermining constituted authority to the appropriate security agencies. Vigilance, cooperation, and respect for the rule of law remain our strongest collective tools for preserving peace.
“We equally call upon the Plateau State Government, relevant traditional councils, and security agencies to closely monitor developments surrounding this matter, provide appropriate clarification where necessary, and ensure that no individual or group acts in a manner capable of undermining public confidence in our revered traditional institutions or threatening the peace of our dear state.
“Plateau State belongs to all law-abiding citizens and residents. Our diversity remains our greatest strength, and our future depends on our collective commitment to justice, mutual respect, truth, and peaceful coexistence.
Let us remain united. Let us remain vigilant. Let us continue to speak with One Plateau, One Voice in defense of peace, justice, and the dignity of our ancestral heritage.”
