Dalung gives Mutfwang 72-hour ultimatum to withdraw apology to Igbos over civil war role

Dalung gives Mutfwang 72-hour ultimatum to withdraw apology to Igbos over civil war role

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has criticised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang over his recent apology to the Igbo community regarding the state’s role during the Nigerian Civil War, describing the governor’s remarks as a distortion of history and demanding that they be withdrawn.

Dalung, in a detailed statement released on Friday, faulted Mutfwang’s comments, arguing that they misrepresented the historical realities surrounding the 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War and unfairly diminished the sacrifices made by Plateau indigenes who fought during the conflict.

The controversy stems from Governor Mutfwang’s remarks during an interactive session with Igbo leaders drawn from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State at the Government House in Jos. During the meeting, the governor apologised to the Igbo community for the role Plateau people played during the civil war, stating that many were “deceived” into participating in the conflict and expressing hope that the apology would strengthen reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

The governor also acknowledged the longstanding contributions of the Igbo community to the economic, commercial and social development of Plateau State, describing them as important partners in the state’s progress. He urged residents to continue promoting unity and mutual respect despite the painful memories of the civil war.

However, Dalung insisted that the governor’s explanation of Plateau’s involvement in the war lacked historical accuracy.

According to the former minister, portraying Plateau people as individuals who merely followed manipulation or deception into the conflict ignores the complex political and military events that culminated in the civil war.

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He argued that the roots of the conflict can only be understood by examining the January 15, 1966 military coup, the assassination of prominent political and military leaders, the subsequent counter-coup and the political tensions that eventually led to the declaration of the defunct Republic of Biafra and the outbreak of the war.

Dalung said reducing those historical events to a narrative that Plateau people were “cajoled” into fighting amounts to a disservice to the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in defence of Nigeria.

“At best, it reflects a poor understanding of history; at worst, it is an ambitious attempt to discredit the sacrifices of great Plateau sons, many of whom laid down their lives in defence of Nigeria’s unity,” he said.

The former minister also questioned Governor Mutfwang’s authority to apologise on behalf of the people of Plateau State without broad consultation.

He argued that such a sensitive issue required engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, elders, elected representatives and other critical stakeholders before any official position could be presented as representing the state.

“On whose authority did he make such an apology? Did he consult the elders of Plateau State? Did he consult traditional rulers? Did he consult elected representatives, members of the National Assembly, the State Assembly or the people themselves? This is executive arrogance,” Dalung stated.

He further noted that Plateau State also suffered significant losses during the political crises preceding the civil war.

Dalung cited the killing of Colonel James Pam, whom he described as one of Plateau’s distinguished military officers, as evidence that the state was itself a victim of the violence that engulfed the country.

He also referenced former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, a Plateau indigene who led Nigeria throughout the civil war, arguing that Gowon’s historical role places him in a more appropriate position to comment on issues relating to the conflict if such interventions become necessary.

Sharing his personal experience, Dalung disclosed that the war claimed the lives of two of his uncles who had been sponsoring his education.

He said the issue was deeply personal and maintained that suggestions that Plateau men fought simply because they were deceived insulted the memories of those who died and questioned their patriotism and convictions.

“I am therefore a victim of that war. I cannot remain silent while someone suggests that my late uncles went to war because they were cajoled. Cajoled by whom?” he asked.

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The former minister subsequently gave Governor Mutfwang 72 hours to withdraw the statement and apologise to the people of Plateau State.

Despite his criticism, Dalung appealed to residents of Plateau State to continue living peacefully with members of all ethnic groups, including the Igbo community.

He stressed that the governor’s remarks should not be interpreted as the collective position of Plateau people and warned against reopening old wounds at a time when the state continues to battle recurring security challenges and communal tensions.

Dalung also urged political leaders across the country to avoid exploiting historical events for political purposes, saying national unity would be better served through dialogue, mutual respect and truthful engagement with history.

Governor Mutfwang’s apology has generated mixed reactions nationwide.

While some political observers and community leaders have described the governor’s remarks as a courageous attempt to promote reconciliation, healing and stronger inter-ethnic relations decades after the civil war, others have argued that such sensitive historical issues require wider consultation and careful interpretation to avoid creating fresh divisions.

The debate has once again highlighted the enduring emotional and political significance of the Nigerian Civil War, more than five decades after the conflict ended, as Nigerians continue to express differing views on how historical events should be remembered and addressed in the interest of national unity.

Dalung gives Mutfwang 72-hour ultimatum to withdraw apology to Igbos over civil war role