Youths of the Delta Central Senatorial District, under the aegis of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth Wing Worldwide, have denounced the proposed nationwide protest over the country’s hardship. Similarly, the Communities Development Committee of Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Areas (CDC) has also expressed concern over the planned protest.
In a communiqué signed on Wednesday by the National President, “Osu re Ighele,” Activist Blessed Ughere, the Urhobo youths declared their opposition to the proposed protest.
The communiqué stated: “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 Urhoboland, to boycott the proposed protest.”
The Urhobo youth leader stated that they were in contact with the Delta State Government regarding the spate of insecurity in the state, particularly in Urhoboland.
“The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth Wing Worldwide is currently in discussions with the Delta State Government regarding the issue of insecurity.
“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 the prosperity, peace, and progress of the state and country.”
Similarly, Foster Akpore, Head of Secretariat of the CDC, emphasized the importance of a democratic system founded on social justice. In a statement, Akpore addressed the planned protest, known as “Day of Rage,” scheduled from August 1st to 10th, under the hashtag #EndBadGovernment.
“While the right to protest and assemble is a fundamental human right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, it is imperative to approach this with wisdom and caution. The history of protests in Nigeria, particularly the #EndSARS movement, is a stark reminder of how quickly peaceful intentions can escalate into violence and destruction,” Akpore noted.
“Lagos, our commercial hub, bore the brunt of this in the past, with devastating consequences. We must think deeply before participating in the planned protest to avoid repeating such scenarios.”
Akpore also emphasized the importance of being informed about local representatives, starting with ward councilors, as change begins at the grassroots level. He urged citizens to recognize the progress being made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in various areas, including local government autonomy and the recent increase in minimum wage negotiations from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000.
“While these efforts are still in progress and have yet to fully translate into an economic boom, it is crucial to recognize the progress being made. We must support positive change rather than destroy the little good we have,” Akpore stated.
“We urge you to think deeply before participating in the planned protest. Let us not be destroyers of our nation’s progress. May God assist us in fixing Nigeria.”