Non-indigenes in Delta State have declared that they would not be taking part in the 10-days nationwide protest scheduled to start on August 1 to 10.
The spokesperson for the non-indigene, Babatunde Ishmael who disclosed this to journalists during a press conference in Asaba, emphasized that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is already addressing some of the issues.
Babatunde also praised the Delta State government for creating a supportive environment for non-indigenes to conduct their businesses without discrimination.
He noted that the Oborevwori's administration has included non-indigenes in government roles and provided palliatives to mitigate the effects of the recent fuel subsidy removal.
Babtunde stressed that the non-indigene community should not be drawn into political conflicts and warned against being used by politicians for political gain.
He also stated that security information suggests that some detractors might attempt to infiltrate the non-indigene community to destabilize the region.
He, therefore, appealed to all their members to refrain from joining the planned protests, saying: "the Delta State government has provided a conducive environment for the Non-Indigene community in the state to carry out their businesses without any form of discrimination or molestation. Also, as a government that has promised all-inclusiveness, the Oborevwori administration has appointed non-indigenes into his government.
"In order to caution the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Tinubu administration, the Delta State government has been giving palliatives to vulnerable groups in Delta state and also carrying the non-indigene community along in this.
"The non-indigene community executive believes that another round of protests would worsen the already precarious economic and security situation in the country.
"We advise all our members to remain law abiding, be vigilant and avoid any act that could lead to a breach of law and security of the state and country."
In the same vein, youths of the Delta Central Senatorial District, represented by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth Wing, have publicly denounced the proposed nationwide protest.
National President of the Urhobo youths, Blessed Ughere, stated that given the current security challenges in Delta Central and other parts of Delta State, engaging in protests would be counterproductive.
"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", he said.
The youth leader highlighted the risks associated with such protests, noting that they could worsen existing security issues and provide opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the situation.
"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 Urhobo land, to boycott the proposed protest."
