IJAW UNITY UNDER THREAT: MINGO URGES END TO ONLINE ATTACKS, INSULTS AGAINST IJAW LEADERS
“OUR PRIDE, OUR IDENTITY AND OUR SYMBOL IS THE IJAW NATION — WE MUST PROTECT IT”
By EgbemaVoice
PORT HARCOURT — Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka (KingdomVoice), has called on Ijaw sons and daughters, activists, content creators, social media commentators and online platforms to stop what he described as the persistent spread of unverified information, insults and personal attacks against respected Ijaw leaders.
Mingo made the call while reacting to what he described as a disturbing trend of individuals using the social media space to attack prominent Ijaw leaders, including High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), GOC and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited; Hon. Emmanuel Omoko (Alhaji), the Bolowei of Egbema Kingdom; High Chief Kestin Pondi; Engr. Matthew Tonlagha; and Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), among others.
According to him, disagreements and constructive criticism are part of any progressive society, but such disagreements should never degenerate into insults, character assassination, ethnic division or the deliberate circulation of false information.
We have built ourselves beyond the point where our differences should become an excuse to insult one another in the public domain. As Ijaw people, our dignity, culture, heritage, identity and collective strength must remain our pride.
Mingo stressed that the Ijaw nation is known for its rich history, resilience, cultural identity and strong sense of communal values, warning that individuals who use public platforms to deliberately demean Ijaw leaders are equally damaging the image of the wider Ijaw nation.
He urged Ijaw youths and activists to embrace responsible engagement, saying that criticism should be based on facts, evidence and the genuine interest of the people rather than hatred, envy, personal grievances or selfish interests.
ATTACKING TOMPOLO IS NOT THE PATH TO IJAW UNITY
Speaking particularly on the criticisms directed at High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, Mingo described him as one of the prominent figures whose contributions have had significant impact on the Niger Delta and Ijaw people.
He noted Tompolo's involvement in community development, youth empowerment, peace-building and the advancement of the Niger Delta, urging those who disagree with him to engage issues responsibly rather than resorting to abusive language.
You may disagree with a leader, but disagreement should not become hatred. You may criticise policies, decisions or actions, but there must be respect for the person and the institution he represents.
Mingo maintained that the Ijaw people must learn to protect their institutions and leaders while also holding them accountable through constructive and responsible means. He described the Ijaw identity as a collective heritage that transcends individual political, traditional or personal interests.
MINGO DEFENDS EGBEMA LEADERSHIP
The Niger Delta youth leader also condemned what he described as unwarranted attacks and interference in the affairs of Egbema Kingdom, particularly criticisms directed at Hon. Emmanuel Omoko (Alhaji), the Bolowei of Egbema Kingdom, and other traditional and community leaders.
He said individuals should respect the traditional institutions and internal affairs of other kingdoms, stressing that social media should not be turned into a platform for provoking unnecessary disputes among Ijaw communities.
Interfering in the affairs of another kingdom, insulting its traditional institution or deliberately provoking its people is unacceptable. Egbema and Gbaramatu are important components of the Ijaw nation, and we must promote mutual respect among our kingdoms.
He called for greater understanding and cooperation between Ijaw kingdoms, saying that internal division only weakens the collective voice of the people.
SUPPORT PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME, STOP THE ‘PULL-HIM-DOWN’ SYNDROME
Mingo also appealed to Ijaw stakeholders to support the work of Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, rather than engaging in unnecessary campaigns of personal attacks.
He acknowledged that no administrator or public official is beyond criticism, but insisted that criticism should be objective, factual and geared towards improving the programme.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme is bigger than any individual. Where there are shortcomings, let us point them out constructively and make recommendations. The ‘pull-him-down’ mentality will not develop Ijawland.
He urged stakeholders to unite around programmes capable of improving the welfare, education, empowerment and economic opportunities available to Niger Delta youths.
WE HAVE LOST TOO MANY PEOPLE TO INTERNAL DIVISION
Mingo further recalled the sacrifices made by generations of Ijaw leaders, activists, traditional rulers, political leaders and community defenders, noting that some lost their lives, freedom and opportunities while pursuing the interests of their people.
He questioned why a people with such a long history of struggle would continue to destroy one another through public insults and unnecessary internal conflicts.
Our people have made enormous sacrifices. Some have died, some have suffered imprisonment, some have lost opportunities, and many have dedicated their lives to the Niger Delta struggle. The least we can do is build unity and correct ourselves without destroying one another.
According to him, the Ijaw nation has produced leaders across politics, traditional institutions, business, youth organisations and civil society, and the responsibility of the present generation is to learn from both their successes and failures.
CRITICISM MUST NOT BECOME CHARACTER ASSASSINATION
Mingo called on social media activists and content creators to verify information before publishing it, warning that the uncontrolled circulation of allegations and defamatory claims can damage individuals, institutions and communities.
He encouraged those with genuine grievances against any leader to seek appropriate channels of engagement rather than using social media to incite hatred.
If you have an issue with a leader, present the facts. If you have evidence, make it available. If there is wrongdoing, demand accountability. But do not manufacture stories, insult people or blackmail others simply to gain attention or personal advantage.
IJAW UNITY MUST COME FIRST
Mingo, who said he has been involved in the Niger Delta struggle since 1997, reaffirmed his commitment to the advancement of the Ijaw nation and the wider Niger Delta. He said his involvement in the struggle has taught him that leadership changes, but the fundamental interests of the people remain constant.
He therefore appealed to Ijaw youths to put the collective interest above personal disagreements and to support initiatives that promote peace, unity, development and the protection of Ijaw heritage.
We must stop fighting ourselves. We must stop turning our kingdoms against one another. We must stop using social media to destroy the image of our own people. We can disagree without becoming enemies, and we can criticise without insulting.
Mingo concluded by stressing that the Ijaw identity belongs to every Ijaw person and must therefore be protected collectively.
Our pride is Ijaw. Our culture is Ijaw. Our heritage is Ijaw. Our identity is Ijaw. We are Ijaw, and we must protect what belongs to us. Let us build one another instead of destroying one another.
He urged Ijaw leaders, youths, traditional institutions, activists, media practitioners and stakeholders to recommit themselves to unity, mutual respect, constructive criticism, peace and sustainable development across the Ijaw nation.
TOMPOLO IS A ROOT PLANTED BY GOD, NOT BY MAN; LET US BUILD THE UNITY OF OUR PEOPLE AS WE MOVE FORWARD.
— Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka (KingdomVoice)
Niger Delta Youth Leader
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