Dalung counters Mutfwang over apology to Igbo community

A former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has faulted Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s apology to the Igbo community over the state’s role during the Nigerian Civil War. He argued that the governor lacked the moral and constitutional authority to apologise on behalf of the people of Plateau. Mutfwang had, during an […]

A former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has faulted Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s apology to the Igbo community over the state’s role during the Nigerian Civil War.

He argued that the governor lacked the moral and constitutional authority to apologise on behalf of the people of Plateau.

Mutfwang had, during an interactive meeting with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State in Jos, apologised for the role played by Plateau people during the 1967–1970 civil war, saying they were “deceived” into participating in the conflict.

“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,” the governor said, while urging stronger ties between Plateau and the Igbo community.

Dalung, however, rejected the governor’s position, maintaining that Mutfwang could not unilaterally apologise for historical events involving Plateau people.

He said the governor’s remarks did not reflect the collective position of the people of the state.

The former minister’s position has, however, attracted criticism.

Former Southeast spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, Josef Onoh, backed Mutfwang’s apology, describing it as a courageous act of reconciliation aimed at promoting peace and national unity.

He said as the elected governor of Plateau State, Mutfwang had the constitutional responsibility to pursue initiatives capable of fostering healing and peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups.

Onoh said acknowledging historical grievances should not be interpreted as diminishing the sacrifices of others but as a means of rebuilding trust.

He cited examples of reconciliation efforts in countries such as Germany, Australia and Canada, where public apologies by leaders helped strengthen national unity.

He also dismissed Dalung’s reported ultimatum to the governor as having no constitutional or legal basis.