Northern Igbo Leaders Commend Mutfwang, Urge Governors to Address 1966–1970 Civil War Narrative

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA), the umbrella body of Ndigbo in Northern Nigeria, has commended Plateau State Governor, Senator Caleb Mutfwang, for what it described as a bold step towards correcting the historical narrative surrounding the 1966–1970 Nigerian Civil War.

The commendation was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the assembly’s third quarterly meeting held in Kaduna from Friday, August 21, to Saturday, August 22, 2026.

The communiqué was signed by the IDA President-General, Chief Ken Okeugo, JP, and the Secretary-General, Hon. Donatus Nwugo respectively.

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 northern region.

The assembly said Governor Mutfwang’s action in rejecting what it described as the erroneous attribution of blame to the Igbo for the unfortunate events of the 1966–1970 crisis had removed a “huge moral burden” from Ndigbo.

It also said the governor’s position had reassured Igbo residents of the security of their lives and property in the North.
The IDA therefore called on other northern governors to emulate

Mutfwang’s initiative, saying such steps would contribute to healing the wounds arising from the events of the era.
Igbo urged to participate in elections.

The assembly also commended Igbo residents in the North for their response to the voters’ registration exercise, describing the participation as an indication of their desire for an equitable Nigeria through transparent democratic processes.

It urged all registered Igbo voters to participate actively in elections and exercise their civic rights.
On relations with host communities, the IDA advised Ndigbo living in the North to continue to maintain peaceful coexistence with their host communities.

It urged members of the community to exercise caution in their public utterances and remain sensitive to the political atmosphere in their respective places of residence in order to avoid unnecessary tensions.
2027 elections

On the 2027 general elections, the assembly said it would adopt a measured approach in assessing its political options..

It said the process 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 the best political choice ahead of the elections, particularly at the presidential level.

IDA rejects “Onyendu” title
The assembly also rejected the nomenclature “Onyendu” for Igbo traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria.
It expressed concern over what it described as a recent “distraction” by the South East Traditional Rulers Council regarding the nomenclature of Igbo traditional stools in the North.

According to the assembly, matters concerning Igbo traditional institutions in the North fall within the preserve of Igbo communities in the respective localities, with the support and blessings of indigenous traditional institutions.

The IDA therefore maintained that the title “Eze” should continue to be used for Igbo traditional leaders in the North.
It argued that this would place Igbo traditional rulers on an equal footing with traditional leaders of other ethnic groups serving their communities outside their ancestral homelands, citing titles such as Sarkin Hausawa, Oba Yoruba and Attah Igala.

The assembly also expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani for providing what it described as a peaceful and conducive environment for its meeting.

It further commended the state government for the peaceful and rancour-free atmosphere it said Ndigbo in Kaduna State currently enjoy.