FROM MATTHIAS OGBAGAH, WARRI
Ahead of the August 1, 2024, proposed nationwide protest, the youth wing of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) met on Wednesday and denounced the proposed nationwide protest over hardship in the country.
The position of the UPU Youth wing was contained in a communique signed and issued by the National President, “Osu re Ighele” ” activist Blessed Ughere at its emergency town hall meeting held at Urhobo House, Uvwiamuge in Ughelli north local government area, Delta State on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
The communique read in part; “Given the current security challenges affecting Delta Central (Urhobo Nation) and Urhobos in other parts of Delta State, we firmly believe that engaging in protests now would be counterproductive.
“Therefore, we categorically state that we will not support any form of protest across Urhoboland in Delta State by any group or individuals.
“Engaging in such protests risks exacerbating the existing security challenges in the country, creating opportunities for criminal elements to exploit innocent citizens and instigate further chaos.
“We appeal to all concerned groups and individuals to refrain from organizing any protests within any Urhobo kingdom in Delta State.
“We also urge all Urhobo sons and daughters, as well as residents in Urhobo land, to boycott the proposed protest.”
The Urhobo youth leader said they were in touch with the Delta State Government on the spate of insecurity in the state and Urhobo land in particular.
On the issue of insecurity, “the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth Wing Worldwide is currently in discussions with the Delta State Government.
“We have made recommendations for the establishment of permanent military checkpoints in key areas to help mitigate the security challenges in the state.
“We hereby call on all citizens to be cautious, vigilant, and alert while accessing areas that require urgent security attention, especially Egbo, along the Agbarho-Ughelli Road, and the Ughelli-Patani Highway, among others.
“We urge leaders and other stakeholders in the region to join hands in assisting our security agencies to maintain law and order, which are imperative for prosperity, peace, and progress of the state and country.”