The Office of the Governor of Plateau State has clarified that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent interaction with leaders of the Igbo community was “made in the spirit of appreciation, reconciliation and national unity,” following public reactions to the meeting.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Dr. Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, made available to journalists in Jos the State Capital on Wednesday.
“We appreciate the genuine concerns expressed by many well-meaning Nigerians who have reached out for clarification,” the statement said.
“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.”
The statement said the Governor’s 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.
“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,” it added.
“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.”
The statement noted that, for decades, Plateau State has proudly stood as one of Nigeria’s foremost examples of peaceful coexistence among diverse peoples.
“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.”
It further stated that, “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,” the statement said.
“Governor Mutfwang remains firmly committed to preserving and strengthening this legacy. His administration believes 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.”
“Throughout his public service, Governor Mutfwang 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.”
“We therefore urge members of the public to disregard interpretations that seek to assign meanings to the Governor’s remarks that were neither intended nor expressed. Such distortions serve no constructive purpose and only distract from the broader message of unity, gratitude and national cohesion that defined the engagement.”
“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.”
“We thank all Nigerians for their understanding, goodwill and continued commitment to the unity and progress of our country.”
