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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
The Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA), umbrella body of Ndigbo in Northern Nigeria, has commended Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for what it described as a bold step towards correcting the historical narrative surrounding the events of 1966 and the Nigerian Civil War.
The assembly also urged other northern governors to emulate Mutfwang, saying such interventions could help heal wounds from the 1966–1970 crisis and strengthen relations between Ndigbo and their host communities.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its third quarterly meeting held in Kaduna from August 21 to 22, 2026, the IDA said Mutfwang’s rejection of what it described as the erroneous attribution of blame to the Igbo for the events of the period had removed a “huge moral burden” from Ndigbo.
It said the governor’s position had also reassured Igbo residents about the security of their lives and property in the North.
The communiqué was signed by the IDA President-General, Chief Ken Okeugo, and Secretary-General, Donatus Nwugo.
The meeting was attended by members of the IDA Executive Committee, presidents of Igbo communities from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as representatives of Ndieze Igbo in the region.
The IDA called on other northern governors to take similar steps, arguing that confronting what it considers misconceptions surrounding the events of the era would contribute to reconciliation and the healing of longstanding wounds.
The assembly also commended Igbo residents in the North for their response to the voter registration exercise, describing their participation as evidence of their desire for an equitable Nigeria through transparent democratic processes.
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It urged registered Igbo voters to participate actively in elections and exercise their civic rights.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the IDA said it would adopt a measured approach in assessing its political options, particularly at the presidential level.
It said its decisions would be guided by considerations devoid of ethnic and religious sentiments, with the objective of providing appropriate leadership for Ndigbo in the North in determining their preferred political choice.
On relations with host communities, the assembly urged Ndigbo across the North to continue to promote peaceful coexistence and exercise caution in their public utterances, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of 2027.
The IDA also rejected the nomenclature “Onyendu” for Igbo traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria, insisting that the title “Eze” should be retained.
It expressed concern over what it described as a recent “distraction” arising from the position of the South East Traditional Rulers Council on the nomenclature of Igbo traditional stools in the North.
According to the assembly, matters concerning Igbo traditional institutions in the North remain within the preserve of the respective Igbo communities, with the support and blessings of indigenous traditional institutions in their host communities.
It argued that retaining “Eze” would place Igbo traditional rulers on an equal footing with traditional leaders of other ethnic groups serving their people outside their ancestral homelands, citing titles such as Sarkin Hausawa, Oba Yoruba and Attah Igala.
The assembly also commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for providing what it described as a peaceful and conducive environment for its meeting and for the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by Ndigbo in the state.
