The royal father, who gave the warning in a press statement issued in Port Harcourt, called on Ogoni youths, political supporters and stakeholders to embrace peace, tolerance and responsible political engagement in the interest of the people.
King Baridam expressed concern over what he described as increasing political hostility and unguarded exchanges among supporters of different political parties and aspirants, stressing that Ogonis must avoid repeating experiences associated with previous elections.
According to him, the painful losses recorded during the 2016 rerun elections and the 2019 general elections should remain a strong reminder that no political ambition is worth the blood of any Ogoni son or daughter.
He urged political supporters across party lines to reject bitterness, hatred and character assassination, saying that “every citizen possesses the constitutional right to support any political party and candidate of choice without fear, intimidation or attacks.”
The monarch emphasized that support or opposition to any political interest should not be interpreted as hatred, insisting that “politics must not destroy the bond of brotherhood and coexistence among Ogoni people.”
He noted that while political parties may emerge and fade over time, the people would continue to live together as one community united by common history, culture and ancestral ties.
Baridam also cautioned youths against abandoning the values of respect for elders, traditional institutions and constituted leadership because of political ambitions.
While condemning what he described as the growing trend of insulting respected leaders on social media over political disagreements, he stated that “differences in opinion remain part of democratic culture and should not degenerate into insults, deliberate falsehood or attempts to tarnish the image of leaders who have contributed to community development.”
Speaking on the growing advocacy for an Ogoni-born governor in Rivers State, the traditional ruler described the aspiration as legitimate and widely embraced, but reminded supporters that achieving such political goals would require broader alliances beyond Ogoni communities.
He, therefore, encouraged proponents of the governorship project to build stronger relationships and seek support from other ethnic nationalities across Rivers State, while keeping the overall interest of development and inclusion in view.
The traditional ruler further appealed to parents, guardians, religious leaders, traditional institutions, community stakeholders and opinion moulders to intensify campaigns promoting peace, respect, tolerance and forgiveness among younger generations, stressing that “unity remains the greatest strength of the Ogoni people before, during, and after the 2027 elections.”
King Onunwor
