Political Violence, Online Attacks Weakening Igala Nation — Expert

The national leader of Ukomu Igala Organisation, Maj. Gen. James Alilu Ataguba (rtd) has criticised what he described as the rising culture of online abuse and political intolerance among Igala social media bloggers and influencers, warning that such conduct threatens the unity and future of the ethnic group.

Ataguba spoke over the weekend in Abuja during a dinner with Igala social media influencers, where he urged youths and online commentators from Kogi East to promote responsible political engagement and demand accountability from public office holders.

The retired General said the growing trend of verbal attacks and offensive commentary on social media were eroding societal values and weakening the cohesion of the Igala nation.

He stressed that fairness and equity must remain the guiding principles of governance, warning against the notion that political strength should be used to oppress perceived opponents.

According to him, individuals who engage in reckless online attacks risk damaging their personal integrity and family reputation.

“You think you support a political leader by insulting his opponent, but every insult you throw at others defines you more than the person you abuse,” Ataguba said.

He lamented the increasing use of abusive language on social media, noting that such behaviour could shape public perception of individuals and negatively affect their social and family relationships.

The Igala leader also cautioned political supporters against blind loyalty to politicians, noting that political actors often reconcile privately while their supporters remain divided and hostile.

He questioned why many politicians avoid involving their own children in political propaganda and online confrontations, urging young people to reflect on their roles in political conflicts.

Ataguba further condemned violent political activities, recalling incidents where innocent citizens lost their lives during political unrest.

He described such acts as inhumane and inconsistent with democratic principles.

“Politics should not be about killing, falsification of results or placing unqualified individuals in positions of authority,” he added.

He attributed Nigeria’s developmental challenges partly to poor leadership choices made by voters, urging citizens to prioritise competence and credibility when electing leaders.

He also criticised the tendency of educated citizens to support unqualified candidates, warning that such actions undermine national growth and development.

Ataguba charged social media influencers and opinion leaders to promote transparency and speak truth to power, even when faced with financial inducements.

“If a politician gives you money, collect it if you must, but tell him the truth if he is not qualified,” he said.

The Igala leader expressed concern over what he described as the weakening of the Igala nation due to internal divisions and questionable political decisions.

He called on Igala people to reflect on their collective responsibilities and work towards building a peaceful and progressive society.

Also, a former national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma, lamented the growing culture of social media hostility among Igala youths.

Umar-Eluma said many young people now focus on attacking personalities rather than engaging in policy-driven discourse, adding that such behaviour does not promote unity or development.

She explained that the dinner meeting was convened to encourage dialogue and self-reflection among the youths.

According to her, the initiative was not meant to discipline participants but to create a platform for honest engagement and collective resolution of differences.