JOS — Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Solomon Dalung, has strongly condemned Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang over an official apology tendered to the Igbo community regarding the state’s participation in the 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War.
Dalung issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Governor Mutfwang demanding an immediate retraction of the statement and an apology to the people of Plateau State, characterizing the governor’s remarks as a “reckless and irresponsible historical revision”.
The controversy follows a town hall interaction at the Government House in Jos, where Governor Mutfwang met with Igbo leaders across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state, stating that Plateau people were “cajoled and deceived” into joining the fratricidal war.
Dalung Faults Historical Context and Executive Authority
In a detailed Facebook statement released on Friday, Dalung—a lawyer and prominent Plateau political leader—argued that Governor Mutfwang’s characterization lacked historical depth and insulted the sacrifices of veterans and fallen soldiers:
- Questioning Executive Mandate: “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.
- Historical Precursors: Dalung noted that the remote cause of the conflict was the January 15, 1966 coup led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, which claimed the lives of key Northern leaders and prominent military officers from Plateau, including Colonel James Pam.
- Personal & Regional Sacrifice: Dismissing the narrative that soldiers were manipulated, Dalung revealed that he personally lost two uncles who were funding his education to the war. He added that General Yakubu Gowon—a Plateau indigene who served as Head of State during the war—would be the appropriate authority to speak or offer apologies if required.
- Governor’s Roots Raised: Dalung pointed out that Governor Mutfwang was born in Zaria, raised in Kaduna, and had not resided continuously in Plateau State for ten years prior to assuming office, suggesting a disconnect from the deep historical memory of the local populace.
Background: Governor Mutfwang’s Address to Igbo Leaders
Governor Mutfwang’s original remarks came during a peace-building and reconciliation meeting where local Igbo leadership formally endorsed his administration for a second term in 2027, citing his inclusive governance and resolution of abandoned property disputes.
CONTROVERSY SUMMARY:
• GOVERNOR'S POSITION: Plateau people were "cajoled/deceived" into the Civil War; extended formal apology.
• DALUNG'S REBUTTAL: Refuses "cajoled" narrative; calls it an insult to veterans & fallen officers.
• ULTIMATUM: 72 hours to retract apology & address Plateau people.
Dalung concluded by reassuring Igbo residents in Plateau State that his rebuttal was not motivated by ethnic animosity, emphasizing that the governor’s personal statements do not reflect the collective stance of the Plateau electorate or diminish the peaceful coexistence enjoyed between host communities and Igbo businesses.
