Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called for a renewed relationship between the people of Plateau and the Igbo community, offering an apology over the state's role during the Nigerian Civil War and urging both sides to embrace reconciliation in the interest of lasting unity and development.
The governor made the remarks during an interactive meeting with Igbo leaders drawn from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, where he acknowledged the painful memories of the civil war and appealed for forgiveness.
Mutfwang said Plateau people were misled into participating in the conflict, stressing that the time had come to put historical grievances behind them and strengthen the bonds that have developed over the years.
"I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us and continue to foster unity. We have become one family because our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it. We must close that chapter and move forward.
"We must unite. We want the Igbos to regard us as their brothers and sisters, and together we must create an enabling environment where everyone can prosper," he said.
The governor praised the Igbo community for its longstanding contributions to the economic growth of Plateau State, describing its members as indispensable partners in the state's progress. He also noted that Plateau has remained one of the most welcoming states for the Igbo since the end of the civil war and recalled that compensation had previously been paid for some of the losses suffered during the conflict.
Highlighting the entrepreneurial strength of the Igbo people, Mutfwang encouraged business owners within the community to mentor indigenous entrepreneurs and create employment opportunities for Plateau youths through investment and skills development.
"Nigeria is a great country, and no ethnic group has demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit more than the Igbo. I encourage you to replicate that same spirit in Plateau. I also appeal to Igbo business owners to employ and train young Plateau indigenes," he added.
In response, the Igbo community declared its support for Mutfwang's second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election, citing his commitment to inclusive governance, prudent resource management and peaceful coexistence.
Announcing the endorsement, the President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah, described the governor as a leader whose administration has promoted fairness, development and harmony among the state's diverse ethnic groups.
"We hereby endorse Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus candidate of the Igbo community for the 2027 governorship election. This endorsement is based on his competence, integrity, proven leadership and commitment to equity.
"He has promoted peaceful coexistence and created a business-friendly environment. He stood by us during the demise of our traditional ruler and has consistently engaged stakeholders to promote unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Plateau State," Onah said.
Onah further commended the governor's developmental initiatives, noting that Plateau had become increasingly attractive for business and investment. He also appreciated the compensation paid to some members of the Igbo community over disputed properties and urged Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation, to support the administration.
Former President-General of the Igbo Community Association, Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke, also pledged the community's backing for the governor, saying the endorsement was based on performance rather than political considerations.
"We will vote for personalities, not political parties. Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated capacity by creating opportunities and reducing unemployment. We will mobilise our members across the 17 local government areas to support him," he said.
Okunonke described the Igbo as a peaceful people committed to Plateau's economic advancement and said the governor had built a relationship with the community founded on mutual respect and inclusiveness.
The governor's Special Adviser on Igbo Affairs, Barr. Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, commended Mutfwang for creating a conducive environment for the Igbo community to flourish and encouraged continued collaboration with the government to expand employment and business opportunities for young people.
Earlier, High Chief Felix O. Akpunku welcomed participants on behalf of the governor and praised the administration's development projects and inclusive style of governance. The meeting also witnessed the formal presentation of Chief Chidi Onah as the new President-General of the Igbo Community Association by the immediate past President-General, Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke.
Other speakers, including Chief Dr Nelson Mkparu and Hon. Maureen Odilimuo, applauded the governor's support for the Igbo community and pledged sustained cooperation with his administration.
The meeting concluded with both the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community reaffirming their shared commitment to peaceful coexistence, stronger collaboration and sustainable development across the state.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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