Ughelli, Delta State, Tension mounted on Wednesday at the Otovwodo Motor Park in Ughelli as executives, staff, women, and members of the Otovwodo community staged a peaceful protest rejecting the imposition of an interim leadership by the Delta State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Chief Francis Arhiyo.
In a rare show of unity, the leadership and members of the park, joined by concerned residents of the Otovwodo community, firmly stated that they would not accept any form of leadership that is not democratically chosen by the people. They maintained that peace and due process must not be sacrificed on the altar of political interference.
Speaking during the protest, several stakeholders expressed concerns that attempts to foist an interim government on the motor park could spark avoidable unrest, jeopardizing the relative peace currently enjoyed by both the park and the host community.
“We are peace loving people,” said one of the park executives who addressed the gathering. “We reject this imposition, because we want to preserve the unity and security of our park and community. Any act that may lead to bloodshed is not welcome here.”
Women of the park, under the banner of Otovwodo Women Transport Union, echoed similar sentiments, insisting that any decision affecting the park must involve wide consultation and the free will of the people. They warned against any move that could escalate tensions or undermine the autonomy of the local union.
The community leaders also lent their voices, stating that they will resist any directive that does not reflect the collective interest of Otovwodo people. They advised Chief Arhiyo to respect the structures already in place and allow internal mechanisms of the park to function without undue interference.
As at the time of filing this report, calm had returned to the park, but the message was clear: the people of Otovwodo would stand firm in defense of their rights, their peace, and their democratic freedom of choice