An Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Izu Umunna Cultural Association (IUCA) has expressed solidarity with Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for his recent apology to Ndigbo over the civil war.

Mutfwang had, during a courtesy visit to him by Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of the state last week asked Ndigbo to put the events of the past behind them and continue to participate in the economic, social and political development of Nigeria

The Governor was quoted to have said, “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,”

But Mutfwang’s statement has attracted criticism, not only from other ethnic groups, but also from some of his kinsmen in Plateau state.

Former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung and former Commissioner for Information, Dan Manjang, blamed the Governor for heaping the sins of the civil war on Plateau people, while the Hausa community called on Mutfwang to also apologise to them for not according them the status of indigenes of Plateau.

However Izu Umunna, a think-tank and foremost affiliate of the apex Igbo socio-cultural association, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a statement signed by the President Ichie Jerry Egede and Secretary, Mazi Jude Owuamanam, said that Mutfwang’s apology couldn’t have come at a better time than now that the country is seeking for peace and national reconciliation across ethnic divides.

The statement said, “Izu Umunna deeply appreciates and aligns with Governor of Plateau state on his well deserved apology to Ndigbo.

“The civil war was a watershed in the history of Nigeria and a scar in the psyche of every Igbo man, and since the end of that unfortunate episode, nobody has had the courage to accept the blames for this national tragedy. So it takes the courage of a pragmatic leader like Governor Caleb Mutfwang to do what elders couldn’t do.

“If they say it wasn’t his place to offer the apology, who else would, especially when it’s realized that the leadership and the crop of soldiers that fought the civil war were from the Middle Belt Region. We salute the courage and pragmatism of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and to assure him of our unwavering support to his administration.”

Izu Umunna urged all Ndigbo living on the Plateau to support the programmes and developmental strides of the government and not to indulge in acts that could jeopardise the cordial relationship between Ndigbo, the government and good people of Plateau State.