ASABA – Mr. Kelly Umukoro, the Ethnic President of Urhobo Youth Worldwide UPU (Youth Wing), has urged Urhobo youths to avoid the planned nationwide protest and give President Ahmed Tinubu’s reform policies a chance.
In an interview in Asaba, Umukoro stated that protests are often hijacked by hoodlums, leading to death and destruction of public assets. He emphasized that the federal government’s policies need time to work, adding, “policies take time to work.”
He reflected on the #EndSars protests, which left a trail of destruction and avoidable deaths, and acknowledged that while protests are a legitimate means of expressing grievances, Nigerians “should also understand the need to give the federal government a chance.”
Umukoro praised President Tinubu’s achievements over the past year but stressed that “one year is insufficient time to roll back sixty years of economic decay.” He was encouraged by the promises made at the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Conference in Rivers state, indicating that President Tinubu is a responsive leader.
He expressed optimism that the federal government will meet its promises from the conference, including fixing the East/West road in six months and improving security and food security. Should the planned protest proceed, Umukoro urged Urhobo youths to organize peacefully and avoid violence.
Umukoro called on all levels of government to keep their promises to Nigerians, noting that regional leaders have put their reputations on the line to defend these commitments. He highlighted the federal government’s responsiveness to the pains of Nigerians, citing the resolution of the NNPC/Dangote issue, the N50,000 grant to 10,000 Niger Delta youths by the NDDC, and the promise to fix the East/West road.
In light of these assurances, Umukoro urged Urhobo youths to shun the planned protests and engage the government constructively. He reaffirmed their right to protest but emphasized the importance of constructive engagement, given the negative outcomes of the previous #EndSars and #EndEFCC protests.
