Mutfwang Clarifies Apology to Igbo Community: “My Words Were Twisted”

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang

Mutfwang Clarifies Apology to Igbo Community: “My Words Were Twisted”

Governor Caleb Mutfwang insists his remarks were taken out of context, emphasizing reconciliation and Plateau’s legacy of peaceful coexistence

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has finally broken his silence over the firestorm of reactions that followed his recent apology to the Igbo community (Ndigbo) over Nigeria’s civil war atrocities. In a detailed statement on Wednesday, the governor firmly declared that his intentions were deliberately taken out of context and misrepresented by critics. The controversy erupted after Mutfwang, during a courtesy visit by Igbo leaders at the Government House in Jos, was quoted as saying: “I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us… because our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it.” The remarks sparked a national debate, drawing both praise from Igbo groups and sharp criticism from some Plateau stakeholders who felt the governor unfairly blamed his own people. Now, through his Director of Press Affairs, Dr. Gyang Bere, the governor has set the record straight.

In a statement released Wednesday, Mutfwang explained that his remarks were never intended to assign blame or diminish the suffering of any ethnic group. Instead, they were rooted in three key pillars: appreciation for the immense contributions of the Igbo community to Plateau State’s growth in commerce, education, healthcare, and industry; reconciliation through encouraging all Nigerians to build bridges of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence; and national unity by reminding citizens of the enduring responsibility to strengthen bonds rather than reopen old wounds. The governor emphasized through his spokesperson that at no point did he seek to diminish the painful experiences of any ethnic group or the historical realities surrounding Nigeria’s Civil War. He noted that the scars of that period remain part of our national history and deserve to be remembered with empathy, honesty and sensitivity. The governor emphasized that his apology to Ndigbo was not an indictment of any tribe but a gesture of solidarity—a reminder that Nigerians must learn from history rather than remain imprisoned by it.

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Mutfwang took the opportunity to highlight Plateau State’s historic role as a beacon of peaceful coexistence. He traced this tradition back to the post-civil war era, when leaders like JD Gomwalk and Chief Solomon Lar championed policies of inclusion. He specifically invoked General Yakubu Gowon’s “No Victor, No Vanquished” declaration and the 3Rs policy (Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction) , which he described as a globally recognized model for post-war healing. The governor noted that for decades, Plateau State has proudly stood as one of Nigeria’s foremost examples of peaceful coexistence among diverse peoples. He added that successive administrations have sustained this tradition by creating an environment where Nigerians from every region can live, work, worship, invest and flourish. The governor further noted that the Igbo community has leveraged this welcoming environment to make invaluable contributions to the state’s development, and his administration is committed to preserving and strengthening that legacy.

The meeting, however, was not without its political dimensions. During the visit, Igbo leaders from all 17 local government areas of Plateau State formally endorsed Governor Mutfwang for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Chief Chidi Onah, President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, cited Mutfwang’s inclusive leadership and developmental strides as key reasons for their support. But the discussions also exposed underlying tensions. Community leaders raised unresolved compensation claims over land disputes—a reminder that even in states celebrated for harmony, the relationship between “indigenes” and “settlers” remains delicate.

The governor’s initial comments drew a polarized response. On the one hand, the Izu Umunna Cultural Association (IUCA) hailed Mutfwang’s apology as “courageous,” “healing,” and historic. They noted 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 such responsibility. On the other hand, former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung and former Commissioner for Information Dan Manjang criticized the governor, arguing he unfairly placed the burden of the civil war on the people of Plateau State.

Addressing his critics directly, Mutfwang urged Nigerians to resist attempts to inflame ethnic or regional divisions. He stated that at a time when our nation faces significant challenges, Nigerians must resist every attempt to inflame ethnic or regional divisions. Instead, he said, we should draw strength from our shared history, celebrate our diversity and recommit ourselves to building a nation founded on justice, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The governor reaffirmed that his administration believes Plateau’s greatest strength lies not in the differences among its people but in their ability to transform diversity into unity and shared prosperity. He concluded that Governor Caleb Mutfwang remains unwavering in his belief that every Nigerian, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or place of origin, deserves dignity, equal opportunity and a genuine sense of belonging. He urged the public to disregard any interpretations that assign unintended meanings to his remarks, describing such distortions as distractions from the broader message of unity and national cohesion.