JOS: Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has apologised to the Igbo community for Plateau’s role in the Nigerian Civil War, saying the people of the state were misled into fighting.
Speaking during an interactive session with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, governor Mutfwang said Plateau people were deceived by the military administration of the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, into joining the 1967-1970 civil war.
“I apololise 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”, he said.
Governor Mutfwang commended the Igbo community for its contributions to Plateau economic growth, describing them as key partners in the state’s development.
He said Plateau remained one of the most welcoming states for the Igbo people since the end of the civil war, adding that compensation had been paid for some losses suffered during the conflict.
The governor urged both communities to strengthen their relationship and called on Igbo business owners to mentor, invest in, and employ young Plateau indigenes.
Responding on behalf of the the Igbo community, the President -General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah, commended Mutfwang for promoting peace, inclusive governance and business-friendly environment.
Onah also announced the community’s endorsement for Mutfwang for second term in the 2027 governorship election citing his leadership, integrity and commitment to equity and peaceful coexistence.
“We hereby endorse Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus candidate of the Igbo community for the 2027 governorship election… based on his competence, integrity, proven leadership and commitment to equity”.
Former President-General, Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke, added: “We will vote for personalities, not political parties”.
-9News Nigeria.
