Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has, on behalf of the people of the state, tendered an apology to the Igbo community over the role the state played during the Nigerian/Biafran civil war, which lasted from 1967 to 1970.
Mutfwang, who tendered the apology during an interactive
session with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of the state at
the Government House in Jos on Sunday, said Plateau people were deceived into
participating in the war by the military administration of Gen. Yakubu Gowon,
an indigene of the state who was Nigeria’s head of state at the time of the
civil war.
While speaking during the session, Mutfwang appealed to
Ndigbo, as well as Plateau people to put the past behind them and forge ahead
to strengthen the bonds of unity that exist between them.
“I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind
us and continue to foster unity.
“We have become one family because our people were deceived
into going to war, and we regret it. We must close that chapter and move
forward,” Mutfwang said.
The Governor, who commended the Igbo community for its
contributions to the socio-economic development of Plateau State, described
them as wonderful partners in progress and an integral part of the state’s
march towards self-sustenance.
According to the Governor, Plateau State had continued to
remain one of the most accommodating states for the Igbo people since the end
of the civil war, noting that compensation was paid for some losses suffered
during the conflict.
“We must unite. We want the Igbos to regard us as their
brothers and sisters, and together we must create an enabling environment where
everyone can prosper,” he stressed, while appealing to Igbo businessmen in
Plateau to support indigenous entrepreneurs through mentorship and investment.
“Nigeria is a great country, and no ethnic group has
demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit more than the Igbo. I encourage you to
replicate that same spirit in Plateau. I also appeal to Igbo business owners to
employ and train young Plateau indigenes,” he begged.
President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State,
Chief Chidi Onah, who spoke on behalf of the Igbo community, commended Mutfwang
for his inclusive leadership, prudent management of resources and commitment to
peaceful coexistence in the state.
Onah also seized the occasion to assure the Governor that
the Igbo community has unanimously endorsed him for a second term ahead of the
2027 governorship election.
“We hereby endorse Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus
candidate of the Igbo community for the 2027 governorship election. This
endorsement is based on his competence, integrity, proven leadership and
commitment to equity.
“He has promoted peaceful coexistence and created a
business-friendly environment. He stood by us during the demise of our
traditional ruler and has consistently engaged stakeholders to promote unity
among the diverse ethnic groups in Plateau State,” Onah stated.
He further commended the governor’s developmental strides,
saying Plateau now enjoys a more conducive environment for business and
investment.
“Igbo people have lived in Plateau since before Nigeria’s
independence. We appreciate the governor for compensating some of our members
over disputed properties and urge Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides
to support his administration,” he added.
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