Delta: Why we back out of proposed nationwide protest – NANS, non-indigenes, youths

Determined to sustain peace in Delta State, Nigerian students, non-indigenes and youths from Delta Central senatorial district, under the aegis of Urhobo Progress Union, Youth Wing, Worldwide, have backed out of the proposed nationwide protest over hardship in the country.

Wiska Monday, the president of the National Association of Delta State Students, NADESSTU, on Wednesday, in Asaba, said that the upcoming protest does not serve the best interests of students.

He urged all students to boycott the nationwide protest that is planned to take place on August 1, 2024.

According to him, while it is important to stand up for their rights and advocate for their concerns, with the level of security information at their disposal, the protest is going to be disruptive and could potentially harm academic progress.

“It may also lead to conflicts and unrest on campus, jeopardising our safety and well-being. The Delta State government has provided a conducive learning environment for our students and is investing more in infrastructure on campus and we don’t want any protest that is capable of destroying these infrastructures on campus,” Monday stated.

Similarly, a communiqué signed by Blessed Ughere, the national president of “Osu re Ighele,” also said that Urhobo youths would not be party to the proposed protest.

The communique read: “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 organising 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.”

In the same vein, the leaders of the non-indigene community in the state, comprising Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Idoma, Tiv, Edo and others, have distanced themselves from the protest.

This was disclosed at a press conference in Asaba.

In a communiqué read by Babatunde Ishmael, the non-indigene leaders said that after a careful review, the non-indigene community executive agreed that while there is actual economic hardship in the country, it is a global issue that responsible governments have been addressing.

According to the communiqué: “The non-indigene community Executive also believes that another round of protests after the last #EndSars protests will actually worsen the precarious economic and security situation being witnessed in the country.”

The 10-day nationwide protest is billed to start on August 1 across the country.