Lockdown: Urhobo Youths Leader Condemns Attack On Market Women In Ughelli North By Council Chairman

By Daniel Dafe
The President of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Youthwing, Worldwide, Comrade Efemena Umukoro, has condemned the destruction of goods of some traders in one of the markets in Ughelli North Local Government Area by the Chairman, Hon. Godwin Adode, for failing to obey the lockdown directive of trading on specific days.

Comrade Umukoro who described “the action as barbaric, uncivilized, needless and also an abuse of power” in a press statement, added that “when the person who ought to stop you from crying becomes the one who makes you cry is a clear indication that you need to be liberated by  another before you can stop crying.”

He said: “No matter how influential and powerful one might be, try to treat people with civility because you will need or see them tomorrow when climbing down from the top.

“We were all here when our Muslim brothers broke the state government order on ban of worship, but nothing happened; heaven did not fall and our overzealous Chairman did not mobilize to stop them. I guess he was afraid of the unknown or unseen actions that might greet him if he tries any funny move.

“We can’t equally say we have forgotten that it was in one of his communities (Agadama) that Fulani herdsmen killed 10 of his youths and raped several women. He did not show bravery by engaging the assailants and ensuring he chased them away from the bush. He displayed his coward side then and brought in his religious teachings of peace and harmony because he was afraid.

“Now it is the turn of vulnerable old women whom some of them are the bread winners of their families, and he now became very bold and displayed bravery by scattering and destroying perishable goods of his own people. What a sad move! Do you come home to showcase your powers by intimidating your people or you use your powers to protect those at home?

“Yes, I agree with all logical thinkers, that these women broke the law by trading on a Sunday (instead of Monday, Wednesday and Saturday) but are there no better way of enforcing the law than humiliating these women? If someone else is seen doing this evil against his people what would be his action?

“The lockdown that was introduced by the government is to help stop the virus from spreading and its effect is empirical to the poor families. There is hunger and anger in the land.”

He continued: “As a leader, one should expect that the chairman should show some love and care to his people, preach and sensitize them on the need to stay indoors, maintain social distancing, washing of hands frequently and use of face mask but Mr. chairman is here using his temporary powers to remind the people of their weakness and what wicked leadership is all about.”

According to him, the Chairman would have arrested them and make them face the law since there are already functioning mobile courts in the state and If they are found guilty be punished and not taking laws into his hand as seen in the viral video .

He advised the chairman as a matter of urgency to apologize to the said market women and make peace with them.