Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s Purported Apology Over the Nigerian Civil War

Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s Purported Apology Over the Nigerian Civil War

By Solomon Dalung

I have read on several social media platforms a statement purportedly credited to the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, in which he reportedly apologized while addressing the Igbo community in Plateau State. According to the statement, the governor claimed that Plateau people were cajoled into fighting during the Nigerian Civil War.

That assertion is completely bereft of historical context. 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.

For the record, the Nigerian Civil War lasted from 1967 to 1970. I doubt that Governor Mutfwang was old enough at the time to understand the events that led to that tragic conflict. It is therefore unfortunate and, in my view, incompetent for him to embark on such an adventure.

The remote cause of the civil war was the January 15, 1966 coup, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, during which several political leaders and senior military officers from Northern and Western Nigeria were killed. The fact that many of the principal actors in that coup were of Igbo extraction created deep resentment within the military. That resentment eventually culminated in the July counter-coup and, ultimately, the civil war.

Today, however, we have moved beyond that painful chapter in our history. Plateau people have lived peacefully with the Igbo community for decades. The Igbo community has made immense contributions to the socio-economic development of Plateau State, and to the best of my knowledge, Plateau people have never had any fundamental conflict with the Igbos resident in our state.

That is why I find it difficult to understand why Governor Mutfwang, who was born in Zaria, grew up in Kaduna State, and had not lived continuously in Plateau State for even ten years before becoming governor, would suddenly decide to apologize on behalf of Plateau people.

On whose authority did he make such an apology?

If Governor Mutfwang is unaware, Plateau State also suffered one of the greatest losses arising from the events of 1966.

Colonel James Pam, one of Plateau’s finest military officers, was murdered in cold blood in Lagos. He was reportedly taken from his residence by officers under false pretences and was subsequently killed. His death dealt a devastating blow to Plateau State.

Even today, the pain remains fresh. When Governor Mutfwang recently hosted one of Colonel Pam’s daughters, she spoke emotionally about the family’s ordeal. More than five decades later, they still do not know where their father was buried. They have never been able to identify his grave. Imagine the pain of a family denied even the dignity of mourning properly.

Wouldn’t that alone have been enough reason for Plateau people to fight in defence of Nigeria?

Furthermore, the man who led Nigeria throughout the civil war is a son of Plateau State—General Yakubu Gowon. He is still alive today. If there is any apology to be offered regarding the civil war, and I am not saying one is necessary, then General Gowon would certainly be in a far better position to speak than someone who was merely a young boy during that period.

To describe the gallant Plateau men who sacrificed their lives for Nigeria as people who were merely “cajoled” into fighting is a grave injustice. It insults their memories, dishonours those who survived the war, and suggests they lacked the intelligence, conviction, or patriotism to make decisions for themselves.

If they were truly cajoled, then by whom?

Governor Mutfwang should tell Nigerians who cajoled them.

I am therefore giving Governor Mutfwang 72 hours to retract that statement and apologize to the people of Plateau State for embarking on such a reckless and irresponsible historical revision.

This issue is personal to me.

I lost two uncles during the civil war. They were the ones sponsoring my education. Their deaths significantly affected my educational progress. 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?

Even if an apology were considered necessary, Governor Mutfwang lacks the moral and constitutional authority to make such a declaration unilaterally.

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.

To our Igbo brothers and sisters in Plateau State, I wish to make it clear that Governor Mutfwang’s statement does not represent the collective position of Plateau people. Rather than promoting reconciliation, it unnecessarily resurrects painful memories that our people have long chosen to leave behind.

We have lived together peacefully for generations. We have built relationships, businesses, families, and communities together. We have never had cause to define our relationship by the tragedy of the civil war.

That is why I ask: whose interest is Governor Mutfwang serving?

At a time when Plateau State is grappling with multidimensional security challenges, why introduce another potentially divisive issue into our already fragile social landscape?

His statement is unnecessary, reckless, and unfortunate.

Finally, I appeal to all Plateau people, regardless of ethnic or religious background, to continue living peacefully with one another. Let us refuse to allow politicians who have failed to address the real challenges facing our people to weaponize our diversity for political gain.

To those involved in the killings across Plateau State, whether in our communities or in the forests, I appeal to you to abandon violence.

Peace remains our greatest strength.

We have far more to gain by understanding one another than by allowing ourselves to be divided by history or politics.

Thank you very much for listening.

May God bless the good people of Plateau state, Good bless Nigeria.

Solomon Dalung is a former minister of sports