Amnesty Programme Leader Calls for Investigation, Prosecution Over Alleged Inciting Remarks in Delta

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

A leader of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, General Godstime Ogidigba, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently investigate and prosecute individuals allegedly responsible for statements he described as capable of threatening peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement made available to journalists, Ogidigba specifically urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to take immediate action over what he termed a “reckless and inciting” press statement allegedly organized by leaders of the Itsekiri ethnic group in Delta State.

According to him, the comments, if left unchecked, could trigger communal unrest, ethnic tensions, and a breakdown of law and order in the region.

Ogidigba stressed that the Niger Delta remains one of the most peaceful regions in the country and warned against actions that could jeopardize the relative peace currently enjoyed by communities in the area.

“The Niger Delta is one of the regions enjoying peace in Nigeria today. We cannot allow any ethnic group or tribe to gamble with the peace and stability of the region, especially considering its significant contribution to the nation’s economy,” he stated.

He further emphasized the importance of preserving harmony among the various ethnic nationalities in the region, noting that peace remains critical to sustaining economic activities and national development.

The Amnesty Programme leader therefore called on the Presidency and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

“Peace is priceless. The authorities must thoroughly investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to justice to prevent any escalation that could threaten the peace and security of the Niger Delta,” he added.

As of the time of filing this report, the individuals mentioned in the statement had not publicly responded to the allegations. Likewise, security agencies had yet to issue an official reaction to the call for investigation.

The development comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding political and ethnic issues in parts of Delta State, with stakeholders continuing to advocate dialogue and peaceful engagement as the preferred means of resolving disputes.