Ogidigba Raises Alarm Over Edo Political Tensions, Demands Justice for Attacked Ijaw Youth Leader
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Warri, Delta State — The National Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme Phase 3, Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba, has raised serious concerns over growing political tension in Edo State, warning politicians to desist from actions that could inflame ethnic suspicion and destabilize peace in the region.
His warning follows an alleged violent attack on an Ijaw youth leader, Comrade Gbale Joseph, reportedly carried out by suspected hoodlums linked to unnamed political actors. The incident has sparked concern among stakeholders across the Niger Delta, with calls for urgent investigation and accountability.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Gen. Ogidigba described the attack as unacceptable, stressing that political competition must never degenerate into violence or intimidation.
He noted that Nigeria’s democratic process is already fragile in many regions and warned that any attempt to weaponize ethnicity or target individuals for political reasons could deepen divisions and undermine stability.
“Targeting Ijaw youths for political reasons is unacceptable. The attack on Comrade Gbale Joseph is condemnable and must not repeat itself,” he stated.
Call for Immediate Investigation and Accountability
Gen. Ogidigba urged the Edo State Government and the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted without delay.
He emphasized that failure to act decisively could embolden further acts of violence and create a cycle of retaliation capable of threatening public peace.
According to him, the rule of law must be allowed to prevail, regardless of political affiliation or influence.
“This act is capable of creating an ethnic crisis. We urge the authorities to move swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order,” he warned.
He further cautioned that continued silence or delayed response from security agencies could heighten tensions between communities and political stakeholders in the state.
Appeal for Political Responsibility and Peaceful Engagement
The Amnesty Programme Phase 3 Chairman called on political actors in Edo State to embrace tolerance, restraint, and issue-based engagement as the state navigates its political climate ahead of future elections.
He stressed that democracy thrives only when citizens are allowed to express themselves freely without fear of intimidation or violence.
Gen. Ogidigba also reaffirmed the commitment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme Phase 3 to peacebuilding, youth development, and the protection of Niger Delta youths, urging stakeholders to prioritize unity over division.
He further appealed to community leaders, youth organizations, and political stakeholders to remain calm while investigations are ongoing, and to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
Editorial: Fragile Peace and the Responsibility of Power
The latest development in Edo State reflects a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s political environment—how easily political competition can escalate into tension when dialogue gives way to hostility.
While democracy encourages contestation of ideas and leadership, it becomes dangerous when such competition is tainted by violence, intimidation, or ethnic profiling. In such moments, the credibility of governance is tested not by rhetoric, but by swift and impartial justice.
Edo State’s political environment requires restraint from all sides. Leaders, particularly those with influence, carry the responsibility of ensuring that their supporters understand the boundaries of democratic engagement.
Security agencies must also rise to the occasion by ensuring that allegations of political violence are thoroughly investigated and resolved transparently. Justice, when delayed or denied, often becomes the seed of deeper unrest.
Ultimately, the strength of any political system is measured not by how fiercely power is contested, but by how peacefully disagreements are managed.
Source:
Congress Newspaper / Field Intelligence Reports
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