UPU Holds 2018 National Congress, Passes Vote Of Confidence On Omene

 By Daniel Dafe

Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Worldwide, has held her 87th annual Urhobo National Congress.

The event which held yesterday at Paragon Holiday Resort, Mosogar, Delta State, was well attended by representatives from all kingdoms in Urhobo land and Urhobo people in diaspora.

The occasion was spiced up with several lectures, group discussions, questions and answers sessions and a rich cultural display by Urhobo dance groups.

The Congress in a communiqué released and made available to journalists “passed a vote of implicit confidence on the leadership of the UPU, the NEC, ably led by Chief (Engr.) Joe Omene JP.”

The congress urged the UPU leadership “to remain steadfast in the use of constitutional means to preserve the survival and unity of UPU.”

The communiqué held that “the seizure of offices and properties of the UPU at Okere Road, Warri, at Uvwiamughe, Agbarho by Pseudo UPU members led by Chief Moses Taiga with elaborate security and funding from the governor of Delta State is an attempt by some politicians to divide Urhobo people and weaken their joint beneficial action in the 2019 general elections.”

While describing the efforts of Professor Onekerhoraye, Mr. Mike Igbini, Chief Joe Asah as patriotic for setting up a resolution committee to interfere and resolve the impasse in the UPU, the congress “noted for positive applause the stance of the Ovie of Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom for his unshaken belief and respect for the UPU constitution.”

Continuing, the said congress commended UPU branches, particularly those of Kaduna and Osun States for their solidarity and resolve to uphold the subsisting constitution of the UPU.

Furthermore, the group condemned the roles of Chief Barr. Ganiga and his secretary in the UK, saying that: “UPU UK initially stood on the path of legality and constitutionality, but buckled under pressure from rule breakers.”

The communiqué also read: “UPU is independent of anybody or authority including government at all levels, the Ukoko r’ivie and any other group,” adding that “at the appropriate time, UPU will identify with only politicians who are patriotic Urhobos and friends of Urhobo.”