NO AMOUNT OF BLACKMAIL, PETITIONS AND NEGATIVE PUBLICATIONS AGAINST TOMPOLO WILL STAND — OGIDIGBA WARNS CRITICS
Amnesty Delegates Forum Condemns Alleged Social Media Attacks, Threatens Legal Action Against Perceived Defamers
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
The leadership of the Amnesty Delegates Forum has issued a strong warning to individuals and groups allegedly involved in what it described as a sustained campaign of blackmail, propaganda and character assassination against High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The forum said it would no longer tolerate what it described as defamatory publications, petitions and social media campaigns directed at Tompolo and other prominent Ijaw leaders.
The warning was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the National Chairman of the Amnesty Delegates Forum, Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba, who described the alleged attacks against Tompolo as false, baseless and politically motivated.
OGIDIGBA: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
According to Ogidigba, the forum is particularly concerned about what it described as the repeated use of social media platforms to circulate allegations against Tompolo.
He alleged that some of the campaigns were being driven by individuals and groups with political interests, describing the development as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Ijaw leader.
The forum chairman further alleged that forces he described as operating “within and outside the Niger Delta Region” were behind what he characterized as a coordinated campaign against Tompolo.
AMNESTY DELEGATES FORUM WARNS SELF-STYLED GROUPS
The Amnesty Delegates Forum also warned individuals and groups allegedly parading themselves as representatives of organizations or community-based bodies to desist from what it described as social media blackmail and propaganda.
The forum urged such individuals to channel any genuine grievances through lawful and appropriate institutions rather than using social media to make allegations against prominent Niger Delta personalities.
‘STOP THE DEFAMATION OR FACE LEGAL ACTION’
Ogidigba said the forum would no longer remain silent in the face of what it described as attacks on the character and reputation of Tompolo and other prominent Ijaw leaders.
He warned that individuals allegedly involved in what the forum described as “assassination and defamation of character” should stop forthwith or be prepared to face legal consequences.
The forum stressed that freedom of expression should not be used as a justification for spreading allegations capable of damaging the reputation of individuals.
TOMPOLO AND IJAW LEADERS DESERVE PROTECTION — FORUM
The Amnesty Delegates Forum maintained that prominent Ijaw leaders should be treated with respect and that disagreements or criticisms should be addressed through constructive and lawful channels.
The group said it considered the alleged campaign against Tompolo particularly disturbing because of his prominence within the Niger Delta and among the Ijaw people.
It therefore called on members of the public to exercise caution before accepting or circulating unverified claims published on social media.
‘WE WILL NO LONGER TOLERATE SUCH ACTS’
The forum declared that it would no longer tolerate what it described as “barbaric acts” by individuals or groups seeking to embarrass or discredit Tompolo and other Ijaw leaders.
Ogidigba reiterated that the Amnesty Delegates Forum would use lawful means to respond to what it considers defamatory or malicious publications.
He urged those behind the alleged campaign to desist, warning that continued attacks could result in legal action.
CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE PUBLIC DISCOURSE
The development has once again highlighted the growing importance of responsible public communication, particularly on social media, where allegations can spread rapidly without verification.
While criticism and public scrutiny remain part of democratic discourse, the forum maintained that accusations against individuals should be supported by facts and handled through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
The Amnesty Delegates Forum therefore called for an end to what it described as malicious propaganda and urged stakeholders across the Niger Delta to promote peace, unity and responsible engagement.
STATEMENT SIGNED BY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
The statement was signed by:
Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba
National Chairman, Amnesty Delegates Forum
The forum’s warning underscores its determination to defend the reputation of Tompolo and other Ijaw leaders against what it considers defamatory campaigns while reserving the right to pursue legal remedies where necessary.
GLOBAL EGBERI MEDIA INTERNATIONAL LTD
Global Egberi Media International Ltd will continue to monitor developments surrounding the controversy and report verified statements and responses from all relevant parties.
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