Indigeneity Deserves Respect, Not Exclusion—Liman Fires Back at Ombugadu Over Nasarawa North Row
….Nasarawa indigene-settler debate escalates as retired judge rejects ‘blood purity’ gatekeeping, cites Constitution and history
Retired Justice A.M. Liman (JCA) has lambasted Dr. Frank Peter Ombugadu’s “Indigenous Voices, Silenced” as a “textbook case of mischaracterisation, selective historical amnesia, and discrimination,” urging an end to Nasarawa North’s toxic “landlord vs. intruder” rhetoric.
In a pointed rejoinder, Liman clarified: “No one denies the rich cultural heritage, history, or pride of the Eggon, Mada, Kantana, Arum, Buh, Rindre, and other Plateau peoples. Their contributions and deep roots are undeniable.”
He rejected Ombugadu’s defence of branding long-settled Nigerians, many intermarried, born in Gudi or Akwanga, as “invaders, settlers, grabbers, and impersonators” unfit for representation due to paternal surnames.
“This is blood-purity gatekeeping dressed as justice,” Liman wrote.
Distorting the Indigene-Settler Debate
Ombugadu accused critics of “erasing Indigenous identities” and promoting “colonialism,” Liman countered.
“My post never called for abandoning language, culture, or history. It calls out the fiction that only certain paternal bloodlines qualify as ‘sons of the soil.'”
Liman highlighted intermarriages, admitted by Ombugadu himself, as demolishing claims of ethnic purity.
Yet, he noted, Ombugadu demands only “Vulon, Andakpo, Wuna” apply, sneering at names like “Chinedu from Anambra” or “Abdullahi from Yobe.”
Challenging Ombugadu’s pre-1804 jihad claims, Liman cited oral traditions: Eggon originated in Ngazargamu (Borno), migrating via Kwararafa confederacy; Mada share similar roots.
“No group sprang fully formed from the soil. The land has always been a crossroads. Pretending otherwise is political mythology to exclude.”
“You decry ‘erasure’ while erasing these migratory truths. That’s the real gaslighting,” he added.
Liman argued the dichotomy turns born-and-bred locals into “perpetual outsiders,” breaching Sections 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution on movement and non-discrimination.
On religious representation, he noted Governor Abdullahi Sule’s Gudi (Akwanga LGA) roots. “The solution is competence and inclusive politics—not ethnic fiefdoms that risk ethno-religious violence Nasarawa has witnessed.”
Ombugadu’s defended language, “landlords,” “intruders,” “impersonators”, creates “second-class citizens,” Liman charged.
“Nasarawa North’s strength lies in its interconnected history of migration and mixing, not silos or blood tests,” Liman stated. “The Constitution recognises every citizen’s right to aspire and serve.”
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He urged: “Pride in heritage? Yes. Pride excusing discrimination? No. Nasarawa North is big enough for all her children, by sweat, service, and commitment, not ancestral tests.”
The rejoinder ends: “The floor is open for genuine dialogue, not gaslighting. In the spirit of truth, fairness, and one indivisible Nigeria.”
By Justice A.M. Liman (JCA) Rtd. This rejoinder responds to Dr. Ombugadu’s piece rebutting an earlier article by Justice Liman.
