Omagufi Represents Sen. Joel-Onowakpo At Security Summit, Warns Against Hijacking Of Peaceful Protests

By Charles Mukoro

Ambassador Onoriode Gold Omagufi, Special Adviser on Sports Development to Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who represented his boss at a security stakeholders’ summit in Ozoro, Delta State, has emphasized the need for patience and cautioned against violent protests, highlighting their potential consequences.

“Protest is the fundamental human right of every lawful citizen… however, its demerits are too numerous to mention,” Omagufi said at the security submit package by CSP John Ehisuoria Agaga, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Divisional Police Headquarters, the Nigerian Police Force Ozoro.

The CEO of C&G Sports Consultant said; “Large-scale protests can disrupt traffic, businesses, and other day-to-day activities… and can be challenging to maintain the energy and participation in a protest movement over an extended period.”

Omagufi expressed concern about the high cost of commodities and economic hardship but urged against using protests as an excuse. “We are all Nigerians feeling the current harsh economy together… therefore, to avoid ‘I wish I knew’, we must abstain from any form of protest and completely disallow men of the other world from hijacking the process.”

He suggested alternative methods for engaging in protests, such as gathering youths in a civil manner and presenting grievances to established authorities.

“Note today that those instigating this protest will jet out of the country with their families, leaving you to bear any consequences that may arise; I appeal to everyone to shield their sword and give the federal government reasonable space to see how it can handle this hunger dispute amicably.”

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The former Super Eagles International appreciated the attendees for coming out en masse to attend the summit while urging them to continue to maintain the same standard by acknowledging the laid down laws.

“I am standing on the footprint of my boss, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Federal Republic of Nigeria to join voices to see on how we can manage the situation on ground”, he said.

“Senator Joel-Onowakpo extends profound gratitude to you all for deeming him worthy, and he has asked me to tell you all that he is committed to his campaign promises to the people. Notwithstanding, patience is the virtue of success as he has mapped out numerous plans to an extent to help people out of this ravaging economic hardship. He remains steadfast to quality representation.

“Frankly speaking, protest is the fundamental human right of every lawful citizen. It is used advantageously to create awareness, give a voice to the marginalized, catalyse change, and so forth; however, its demerits are too numerous to mention, such as some protests turned violent, leading to property damage, injuries, and clashes with government-established authorities, which can undermine the protesters’ message.

“Protests are exercised in different ways, and the only genuine way we can engage ourselves is by jotting down our grievances on official papers and placards, gathering the youths in a civility manner, moving from a spot to the council to meeting with the established authority who will address the situation.

“Note today that those instigating this protest will jet out of the country with their families, leaving you to bear any consequences that may arise; I appeal to everyone to shield their sword and give the federal government reasonable space to see how it can handle this hunger dispute amicably,” he added.

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Present at the event was, Chief Bright Okah, (Coded Okah), the Efe Udhedhe-1 of Oleh Kingdom’, CEO of Rumours Lounge and Coded Money Entertainment; the President General of Ozoro, Dr Eta Enahoro; Ambassador Onoriode Gold Omagufi, S.A on Sports Development to Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Comrade Abel Edigbe, President of Isoko National Youth Congress; Chief Akukwata Emmanuel, Crown Prince Ogbaudu, 1st Vice President of Isoko Development Union; CSP John Ehisuoria Agaga, DPO of Ozoro Divisional Police Officer.

Others include representatives of the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, the Nigerian army, vigilantes, hunters, women, youths, and voluntary organisations, amongst others.