From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has apologised to the Igbos for the role they played during the Biafran War, saying that their people “were deceived.”
Mutfwang, who spoke during an interaction with the Igbo leaders in the state, urged that the chapter must be closed, and people should move forward.
The occasion involved the Igbo residents in the 17 local government areas (LGAs) of Plateau State.
He extended his greetings to the Igbo residents in Plateau State by thanking them for contributing to the development of the state.
He claimed that the Plateau State is more accommodating to the Igbos compared to the other states, considering what they went through after the Biafra War.
”We paid compensation after the war, under Mutfwang. I paid full to all the Igbo properties.
”I apologise to the Igbos to put the past behind them, and continue to foster unity. We have become one now because our people were deceived to go into war, and we are regretting it. We must close the chapter and move forward.
”We must unite. We want the Igbos to consider us as their own brothers. So, we have to create an enabling environment to prosper,” the Governor pleaded.
”I urge the businessmen of Igboland resident in Plateau to hold the hands of our young entrepreneurs for a better future. Let us continue to reason together. Nigeria is a great country, and nobody possesses the spirit of entrepreneurship in business than the Igbos. So, I urge you to replicate the same gesture in Plateau State. I also appeal to the Igbos to employ young Plateau indigenes, and train them,” the Governor pleaded.
During the occasion, the Igbos declared their total support to reelect the Governor for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that he has performed credibly well.
The endorsement was announced on behalf of “the entire Igbo in the 17 LGAs” by the President General of Plateau State Chapter, Chief Hillary Onah.
“We, hereby, endorse Mr Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus candidate for the entire Igbo nation for the 2027 gubernatorial election. This endorsement is rooted in competence, integrity, proven leadership, and the principle of equity, he is the only Governor that promotes peaceful coexistence and conducive business environment that accommodates us.
”He visited us during the demise of our late Igwe, and this morning, he had a round table meeting with all critical stakeholders in business toward promoting unity and understanding amongst the diverse ethnic groups.
“The record speaks for itself. Plateau State is wearing a new look. We now have a business friendly government. I want to assure the governor of our unwavering support across the 17 LGAs. Governor Mutfwang’s model of prudence, accountability, and fiscal discipline is what Plateau people urgently require.
”Igbo people have been in the state before independence, and we are applauding him for the compensation of some of our properties. We’re urging all the political parties and Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines to rally behind Mutfwang,” Onah stated.
Also speaking, the immediate past President General, Chief Okunonke Mike, said that the Igbo people are peaceful people, and are willing to work together to make Plateau State a commercial hub of the Middle Belt.
He said that the second bid of Mutfwang is around the corner, and they are going to support the ambition by mobilising their eligible voters across the state.
He stated that the Igbos in Plateau State are not going to vote for parties but personalities, where the person has done credibly well in adding values and reducing unemployment rate.
He also charged the Igbo residents in Plateau State to vote personalities rather than political parties.
”As the period of the electioneering campaign is drawing nearer, we, the Igbos ,promise 1.6 million votes based on our registered numbers in the 17 LGAs,” he promised.
He emphasised that the endorsement was a response to the cordial relationship between the Igbos and Mutfwang in the state through genuine partnership.
”We appreciate the Governor for the display of love demonstrated during the demise of late Igwe and the wife of one of our sons, including the compensation of 1960 landed property.
”Igbos are Plateau indigenes that are not contesting for ownership of land here, but under the present regime of Mutfwang, we have over nine elected Igbo leaders at the LGAs and state,” he added.
Barr J.O Ezekwueme lauded Mutfwang’s leadership for providing an enabling environment for the Igbo residents to participate actively.
He urged the Igbo people to vote for his second term, and also consider to accommodate their young graduates through employment and empowerment programme that promotes genuine business.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Igbo Affairs urged the people to give Mutfwang a second chance to continue with the transformation agenda, and promote ease of doing business.
He noted that under the present administration the Igbos have enjoyed a cordial relationship with the government, and appealed to the Igbo residents in the state to vote for Mutfwang.