UPU Youth Wing Disassociates Self from Publication Calling for Tantita’s Removal

…says publication does not reflect collective interest, aspirations of Urhobo people.

The Youth Wing of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, under the leadership of Comr. (Dr.) Kelly Efemena Umukoro, on Sunday, July 6, 2025, distanced itself from a publication calling for the disengagement of Tantita Security Services from Urhobo land.

In a strong worded statement issued by UPU youth wing, made available to journalists in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the group noted that to criticize an organization that has delivered measurable results because it refused to serve the interests of a few individuals, was unjust and unacceptable.

The statement read in parts : “ The youth wing of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, under the leadership of Comr. Dr. Kelly Efemena Umukoro, wishes to formally distance itself from the recent publication issued by the UPU Parent Body, which calls for the disengagement of Tantita Security Services from Urhobo land.

“As a responsible youth leadership that upholds the values of respect for our elders and traditional institutions, we do not intend to engage in confrontation. However, we are compelled to clarify facts, defend the truth, and protect the collective interest of the Urhobo people, especially our youths, who are direct beneficiaries of Tantita’s security operations in the Niger Delta.

“Tantita Security Services is not an ethnic organization. It is a national security outfit operating under the legal framework of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Its positive impact on the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s economy is widely acknowledged and clearly visible.

“We believe the UPU Parent Body may have been misinformed or misadvised on this issue. We therefore urge our respected elders to reconsider their position in light of facts and the broader development of our region.”

On Tantita’s model, the UPU youth wing clarified that : “ Tantita does not operate on the basis of slot-sharing or payments to individuals. Its approach is merit-based, involving willing individuals committed to protecting critical national assets. The structure is built on transparency and accountability, values which some of those pushing for Tantita’s removal may find uncomfortable, particularly when personal interests are not served.

“The attempt to redirect community-driven initiatives for individual gain undermines the credibility of our institutions and the aspirations of our youth.”

The UPU youth wing affirmed that the statement issued by Chief Ese Gam and others does not reflect the collective interest, aspirations of Urhobo people, which it noted stood proudly as Nigeria’s fifth largest ethnic nationality.

The group observed that there were pressing issues the parent body should concern itself with such as the ongoing Military detention of the President-General of Ewu Kingdom, Prof. Author Ekpokpor; political instability within Warri Federal Constituency; youth empowerment in the face of rising unemployment among others, insisting that the fight against Tantita Security was a misplaced priority.