Maryam Aminu
Alarmed by rising political intolerance and toxic online conduct, the National Leader of the Ukomu Igala Organisation, Maj. Gen. James Alilu Ataguba (retd.), has warned that persistent verbal attacks, blind political loyalty, and violence are steadily weakening the cohesion and future of the Igala nation.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja at a dinner meeting with Igala social media influencers, the retired general cautioned youths and online commentators from Kogi East against turning social media into a battlefield of insults, urging them instead to embrace responsible political engagement and hold public office holders accountable.
Ataguba observed that political disagreements among Igala people have increasingly spilled into the digital space, where abuse and name-calling now dominate conversations that should focus on ideas, policies and development. He warned that such conduct was gradually damaging communal bonds and eroding shared values.
He noted that constant online attacks, often carried out in defence of political figures, leave lasting consequences on the individuals involved, stressing that behaviour displayed on social media shapes public perception and can stain personal and family reputations.
The Igala leader cautioned supporters against unquestioning loyalty to politicians, pointing out that political leaders frequently mend fences after elections, while their followers continue to harbour bitterness and division.
He urged youths to critically assess their involvement in political disputes rather than allowing themselves to be used as tools of conflict.
Ataguba also spoke strongly against political violence, recalling past incidents in which innocent lives were lost during periods of unrest. He described such acts as unacceptable in a democratic society, insisting that political competition must never be driven by bloodshed, intimidation or electoral malpractice.
According to him, Nigeria’s ongoing development challenges are closely linked to leadership failures, many of which stem from voters’ willingness to support candidates lacking competence and integrity. He urged citizens to make informed choices based on character, capacity and credibility rather than sentiment or financial inducement.
The retired general further charged social media influencers to act as voices of conscience by demanding transparency and accountability from leaders. He encouraged them to speak honestly, even when faced with pressure or material incentives to compromise their principles.
He expressed concern that internal divisions and poor political judgment were weakening the Igala nation, calling on sons and daughters of the ethnic group to prioritise unity, peaceful engagement and collective progress over personal or partisan interests.
Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma
In her remarks, former National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma, also criticised the rising trend of hostility among Igala youths on social media platforms.
She noted that online conversations have increasingly shifted from constructive debate to personal attacks, a development she said does little to advance unity or meaningful socio-political development.
Umar-Eluma explained that the dinner meeting was organised to promote dialogue, reflection and mutual understanding among young people, emphasising that the initiative was designed to encourage healing and cooperation rather than punishment.
She urged Igala youths to channel their energy into respectful engagement and conversations capable of strengthening unity and advancing the collective interests of the Igala nation.
Africa Security Investigation News 