PLATEAU, Nigeria – A former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has come down hard on the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang over his apology to the Igbo community over the state’s role during the Nigerian-Biafra Civil War.
Dalung argued that the governor lacked the moral and constitutional authority to apologize 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, apologized for the role played by Plateau people during the 1967–1970 civil war. The Governor was quoted as saying the Plateau people were “deceived” into participating in the conflict.Geographic Reference
He had said, “I apologize to the Igbo 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, therefore, urged for a stronger ties between Plateau and the Igbo community.
Dalung, however, rejected the governor’s position, maintaining that Mutfwang could not unilaterally apologize for historical events involving Plateau people.
He said the Governor’s remarks did not reflect the collective position of the people of Plateau.
Dalung’s position has, however, attracted criticism.
Former Southeast spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, Josef Onoh, has backed Mutfwang’s apology. He described it as a courageous act of reconciliation aimed at promoting peace and national unity.Executive Branch
Faulting Dalung, Onoh 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.Politics
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.
