Dalung Demands Mutfwang Retract Civil War Apology to Igbos Within 72 Hours

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has criticised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang over his recent apology to the Igbo community concerning the state's role during the Nigerian Civil War, describing the remarks as a "reckless and irresponsible historical revision."

In a statement released on Friday, Dalung rejected the governor's assertion that Plateau people were "cajoled" into participating in the 1967–1970 civil war, insisting that such a claim distorted history and dishonoured the sacrifices of those who fought in defence of Nigeria's unity.

The controversy followed Mutfwang's remarks during an interactive meeting with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State at the Government House in Jos, where he reportedly apologised for the role played by Plateau during the civil war, saying many of the state's people were persuaded into joining the conflict.

Dalung argued that the governor's comments lacked historical accuracy and failed to recognise the complex events that led to the war.

"The claim that Plateau people were 'cajoled' into fighting during the civil war is completely bereft of historical context," Dalung said.

"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."

The former minister traced the origins of the civil war to the January 15, 1966 military coup, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, which resulted in the assassination of several political and military leaders from Northern and Western Nigeria.

According to him, the ethnic composition of the coup plotters fuelled widespread resentment, culminating in the July 1966 counter-coup and eventually the outbreak of civil war.

Dalung also questioned Mutfwang's authority to apologise on behalf of Plateau State, arguing that such a position required broader consultation with the people and leadership of the state.

"On whose authority did he make such an apology?" Dalung asked.

"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."

He further noted that Mutfwang was born in Zaria and spent much of his early life in Kaduna State, arguing that the governor should not unilaterally reinterpret Plateau's historical position.

Dalung also reminded Nigerians that Plateau State suffered its own losses during the political crisis preceding the civil war, citing the killing of Colonel James Pam, one of the state's most prominent military officers, during the January 1966 coup.

He added that former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who led Nigeria throughout the civil war, is from Plateau State and would be better placed to comment if any formal apology on behalf of the state became necessary.

Dalung maintained that portraying Plateau indigenes who participated in the war as people who acted under coercion diminishes their patriotism and personal convictions.

"To describe the gallant Plateau men who sacrificed their lives for Nigeria as people who were merely 'cajoled' into fighting is a grave injustice," he said.

"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."

The former minister disclosed that the issue was deeply personal, revealing that he lost two uncles during the war.

"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."

Dalung demanded that Mutfwang withdraw the remarks and apologise to the people of Plateau State within 72 hours.

Despite his criticism, Dalung appealed to Plateau residents to remain peaceful and avoid allowing political disagreements to deepen ethnic divisions.

He also reassured members of the Igbo community living in Plateau State that the governor's remarks did not represent the collective position of the state's people.

"Rather than promoting reconciliation, it unnecessarily resurrects painful memories that our people have long chosen to leave behind," he said.

He urged political leaders to avoid exploiting historical events for political purposes and called on all communities in Plateau State to continue promoting peace and coexistence.

The exchange adds a fresh dimension to public debate over how Nigeria remembers the civil war, with questions about historical responsibility, reconciliation and national healing continuing to generate strong reactions more than five decades after the conflict ended.