The Youth Wing of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), a cultural organization with a global presence, has made it clear that they are not in support of the proposed nationwide protests aimed at highlighting economic hardships in the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the National President, Activist Blessed Ughere, the UPU Youth Wing emphasized that participating in protests at this time could do more harm than good. They urged all individuals residing in Urhobo land to refrain from taking part in the protests.
The communique explained, “Considering the current security challenges faced by the Urhobo community in Delta Central and other parts of Delta State, we believe that engaging in protests now would be counterproductive.”
It further stated, “Therefore, we want to make it clear that we do not endorse any form of protest within Urhoboland in Delta State organized by any group or individual. Participating in such protests could worsen the existing security issues in the country, making it easier for criminal elements to take advantage of innocent citizens and incite further unrest.”
The UPU Youth Wing urged all concerned parties to avoid planning any protests in any Urhobo kingdom in Delta State. They also called on all Urhobo natives and residents in the region to avoid participating in the proposed protests.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, the communique mentioned that the UPU Youth Wing Worldwide is currently engaged in discussions with the Delta State Government. They have put forward suggestions for the establishment of permanent military checkpoints in strategic locations to help address the security challenges in the state.
The UPU Youth Wing advised the public to be cautious, observant, and alert when traveling through areas that require immediate security attention, such as Egbo along the Agbarho-Ughelli Road and the Ughelli-Patani Highway.
Furthermore, they called on leaders and stakeholders in the region to collaborate with security forces to uphold law and order, stressing that these efforts are crucial for the prosperity, peace, and development of the state and the nation.