The governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has reacted to controversies that greeted his recent meeting with Igbo leaders and his subsequent apology to Ndigbo over war time atrocities, saying that his intentions were taken out of context.
He said that while he appreciated the concerns raised by individuals and groups, his remarks were made in the spirit of appreciation, reconciliation and national unity.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press Affairs, Gyang Bere, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the governor said that his remarks were intended to acknowledge the resilience, enterprise and enduring contributions of the Igbo community to the growth, prosperity and social fabric of Plateau State, while encouraging all Nigerians to continue building bridges of mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
He said his apologies to Ndigbo was not intended to diminish or downplay what other tribes suffered during that unfortunate incident, but to remind Nigerians of the enduring responsibility to strengthen the bonds that unite all Nigerians rather than reopen wounds that generations of Nigerians have worked hard to heal.
The statement said: “The Office of the Governor of Plateau State has taken note of the various reactions that have followed Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s recent interaction with leaders of the Igbo community during their courtesy visit to the Government House in Jos.
“We appreciate the genuine concerns expressed by many well-meaning Nigerians who have reached out for clarification.
“However, we are equally concerned that portions of the Governor’s remarks have been deliberately taken out of context and presented in ways that neither reflect the substance of the conversation nor the convictions of Governor Mutfwang.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Mutfwang’s remarks were made in the spirit of appreciation, reconciliation and national unity. They were intended to acknowledge the resilience, enterprise and enduring contributions of the Igbo community to the growth, prosperity and social fabric of Plateau State, while encouraging all Nigerians to continue building bridges of mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
“At no point did the Governor seek to diminish the painful experiences of any ethnic group or the historical realities surrounding Nigeria’s Civil War.
“The scars of that period remain part of our national history and deserve to be remembered with empathy, honesty and sensitivity. Equally, they remind us of the enduring responsibility to strengthen the bonds that unite us rather than reopen wounds that generations of Nigerians have worked hard to heal.
“For decades, Plateau State has proudly stood as one of Nigeria’s foremost examples of peaceful coexistence among diverse peoples. Successive administrations have sustained this tradition by creating an environment where Nigerians from every region can live, work, worship, invest and flourish,thus strengthening the bonds of partnership.
“From the heroic and exemplary integration efforts of the foundation laying JD Gomwalk, to the excellent emancipatory vision of Chief Solomon Lar, and through successive administrations in that order, Plateau State has historically served as a welcoming home for especially Ndi Igbo, outside the South East.
“Indeed, this progressive spirit of inclusion as championed by the worthy predecessors of Governor Mutfwang in office, directly aligns with the “No Victor, No Vanquished” declaration, and the policy of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction (3Rs) as was courageously espoused by our distinguished statesman, General Yakubu Gowon.
“His steadfast devotion to this approach has been recognised globally as a worthy model in post-war reconstruction. The Ndigbo community has leveraged on this to make invaluable and remarkable contributions to commerce, education, healthcare, industry and the overall development of our dear state”.
Mutfwang said that remained firmly committed to preserving and strengthening this legacy, stressing that his administration believed that Plateau’s greatest strength lies not in the differences among its people but in their ability to transform diversity into unity and shared prosperity.
He said that this conviction has continued to guide both his words and his policies.
Mutfwang said that throughout his public service, he has consistently advocated dialogue over division, reconciliation over resentment, and hope over hostility. His engagement with the leadership of the Igbo community was entirely consistent with these values and with Plateau State’s longstanding tradition of welcoming all Nigerians who choose to call the state home.
The governor urged members of the public to disregard interpretations that sought to assign meanings to the his remarks that were neither intended nor expressed.
He said such distortions serve no constructive purpose and only distract from the broader message of unity, gratitude and national cohesion that defined the engagement.
The statement added, At a time when our nation faces significant challenges, Nigerians must resist every attempt to inflame ethnic or regional divisions. Instead, we should draw strength from our shared history, celebrate our diversity and recommit ourselves to building a nation founded on justice, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
“Governor Caleb Mutfwang remains unwavering in his belief that every Nigerian, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or place of origin, deserves dignity, equal opportunity and a genuine sense of belonging. These principles will continue to define his leadership and his vision for Plateau State.”
