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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Plateau Igbo Group Hails Gov. Mutfwang for ‘Historic’ Civil War Apology

From ThisDay · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has apologized to the Igbo people for the Nigerian Civil War, calling it a "tragic manipulation" and a "scar."
  • The apology is praised by the Igbo socio-cultural organization Izu Umunna Cultural Association (IUCA) as a "courageous, healing, and timely" step toward national reconciliation.
  • However, the apology has drawn criticism from some Plateau stakeholders and the Hausa community, who demand similar apologies regarding indigene-ship issues.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has offered an apology to the Igbo people for the Nigerian Civil War, a move described by an Igbo socio-cultural organization as "courageous, healing, and timely." Mutfwang urged Ndigbo to "put the past behind" and continue contributing to Nigeria's development, characterizing the war as a "tragic manipulation" and expressing regret.

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.

— Caleb MutfwangPlateau State Governor apologizing to the Igbo people for the Nigerian Civil War.

The Izu Umunna Cultural Association (IUCA) lauded the governor's gesture, stating that the apology "couldn't have come at a better time" for a nation struggling with ethnic mistrust. IUCA President Ichie Jerry Egede and Secretary Mazi Jude Owuamanam emphasized that the civil war remains "a scar in the psyche of every Igbo man" and that no national leader had previously shown the courage to accept responsibility.

IUCA highlighted the Middle Belt's significant role in the war, making Mutfwang's apology particularly meaningful. The organization pledged its "unwavering support" for the governor and urged Igbo residents on the Plateau to maintain peaceful relations and support government initiatives.

The apology couldn’t have come at a better time.

— Izu Umunna Cultural AssociationIzu Umunna Cultural Association describing the significance of Governor Mutfwang's apology.

Despite the positive reception from IUCA, Mutfwang's remarks have sparked criticism. Former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung and ex-Commissioner for Information Dan Manjang argued that the governor unfairly assigned blame to Plateau people. Additionally, the Hausa community has demanded a similar apology concerning issues of indigene-ship, indicating the complex and sensitive nature of historical grievances in Nigeria.

If they say it wasn’t his place to offer the apology, who else would?

— Izu Umunna Cultural AssociationIzu Umunna Cultural Association defending Governor Mutfwang's right to apologize for the Civil War.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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