Igbo group backs Mutfwang over civil war apology

An Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Izu Umunna Cultural Association (IUCA), has expressed solidarity with Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, over his recent apology to Ndigbo for the events surrounding the Nigerian Civil War.

Mutfwang, during a courtesy visit by Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of the state last week, urged Ndigbo to put the events of the past behind them and continue to participate in the economic, social and political development of Nigeria.

The governor was quoted as saying: “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.

“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.”

However, Mutfwang’s statement has attracted criticism not only from other ethnic groups but also from some of his kinsmen in Plateau State.

Former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung and former Commissioner for Information Dan Manjang accused the governor of placing the burden of the Civil War on Plateau people, while the Hausa community called on Mutfwang to also apologise to them for not according them the status of indigenes of Plateau State.

However, Izu Umunna, a think tank and foremost affiliate of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a statement signed by its President, Ichie Jerry Egede, and Secretary, Mazi Jude Owuamanam, and obtained by our correspondent on Sunday, said Mutfwang’s apology could not have come at a better time, as the country seeks peace and national reconciliation across ethnic divides.

The statement read: “Izu Umunna deeply appreciates and aligns with the Governor of Plateau State on his well-deserved apology to Ndigbo.

“The Civil War was a watershed in Nigeria’s history and left a lasting scar on the psyche of every Igbo person. Since the end of that unfortunate episode, nobody has had the courage to accept responsibility for this national tragedy.

“So, it takes the courage of a pragmatic leader like Governor Caleb Mutfwang to do what others before him could not.

“If they say it wasn’t his place to offer the apology, who else would, especially when it is recognised that the leadership and many of the soldiers who fought the Civil War were from the Middle Belt region?

“We salute the courage and pragmatism of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and assure him of our unwavering support for his administration.”

Izu Umunna urged all Ndigbo living in Plateau State to support the programmes and developmental strides of the government and to refrain from acts that could jeopardise the cordial relationship between Ndigbo, the government and the people of Plateau State.