…Endorses Ovie Ebireri-Led Youth Executive
The leadership of the apex social, cultural and political body of the Urhobo nation, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) has expressed displeasure over the polarisation of its youth wing by elements described as unscrupulous.
The group is accusing the Delta State Government of its involvement in the ensuing fracas.
The UPU in a statement has warned that dealings with anyone outside the Ovie Ebireri-Led Youth Executive of the pan-UPU apex youth body, Ukoko R’ Ighele R’Urhobo, was illegal and criminal.
According to the statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the UPU, Hon. Abel Oshevire, body frowned at an alleged inauguration of a purported UPU Youth body at the hotel premises owned by a former youth leader and politician in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State.
According to them, the executive of the erstwhile body known as UPU Youth Wing was dissolved on Friday, the 6th of December 2019 and ceased to exist. “In its place a new pan-UPU apex youth body, now known as Ukoko R’ Ighele R’Urhobo is established and its National Officers have since been inaugurated by the President-General, UPU, Olorogun (Dr.) Moses Oghenerume Taiga, JP.”
The UPU noted that the authentic leadership of Urhobo Youths worldwide is led by Comrade Ovie Ebireri.
“We consider the rascality and purported inauguration of another youth body as unconstitutional, illegal, and an affront on the Urhobo Nation, UPU, the President-General, Urhobo Kings and all peace-loving Urhobo People worldwide. It is also a desecration, violation and total disregard of the authority of UPU, her sovereignty and leadership.”
On the alleged involvement of the State Government, the UPU fingered a serving Commissioner in Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Hon. Vincent Oyibode as the brain behind what it termed a perfidy.
“It is instructive to mention that this inauguration is a fallout of the open threat of Hon. Vincent Oyibode who has been fingered to cause a breach of the peace in Urhoboland when his attempt to force his favoured candidate on the UPU as President of the apex Youth body failed.”
Other identified co-travellers in this misadventure are persons, who lobbied for themselves or their preferred candidates to be appointed, and imposed as President of the Youth body. It is now clear that their mission was not patriotic but for self-aggrandisement.
“We wish to also bring to the notice of the entire Urhobo Nation, Delta State Government and Security Agencies that this DESOPADEC Commissioner, whose obvious ride to newfound affluence has made him bereft of every sense of decency, respect for elders, and laws, customs and tradition of Urhobo, continues to scandalize the name of the UPU PG, Olorogun Moses Oghenerume Taiga, and spews out falsehoods,” UPU noted.
In thr same vein, the UPU called on the Delta State Government led by His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, to immediately call Oyibode to order, and called on Security Agencies to beam their searchlights on his activities.