A peacebuilding research initiative has called for constitutional and legislative changes to address the indigene-settler classification system, recommending that long-term residency be recognised as a basis for civic rights.
The recommendation was among proposals presented by the Social Justice and Human Development for Peace Initiative (JDPC) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos during the unveiling of its research findings under the project, “Barometer of Cultural and Religious Pluralism in Nigeria”.
The Lead Researcher, Mr Mwansat Samuel, said the study examined factors affecting peaceful coexistence in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government areas of Plateau State, as well as Kaura and Jema’a local government areas of Kaduna State.
Samuel, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Jos, identified rumours, misinformation, hate speech, identity-based claims and historical grievances among factors contributing to conflict in the communities.
He also listed declining communication among community leaders, social segregation, drug abuse and exclusion as other issues requiring attention.
Among the recommendations, Samuel said the National Assembly should clearly distinguish between indigene and settler status in the Constitution, while state legislatures should enact laws recognising long-term residency as the legal basis for civic rights.
He also urged the Federal Government to provide dedicated protection for shared economic infrastructure, including mining sites, grazing corridors, irrigation schemes and transport hubs.
The researcher further called on religious councils and faith leaders to work with regulatory bodies and civil society organisations to establish guidelines against hate speech and inflammatory preaching, while promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogue.
Samuel said civil society organisations, security agencies, traditional institutions and local government authorities also had important roles to play in achieving lasting peace.
Earlier, the Assistant Coordinator of JDPC, Rev. Fr. Basil Kassam, said the research was designed to support early warning and early response efforts.
He said the findings could help policymakers, civil society organisations and local and international partners develop more comprehensive responses to peacebuilding challenges.
Kassam said the pilot project was supported by the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and funded by the French organisation Observatoire Pharos.
