The Delta State government is facing criticism after the arrest of a young man who protested the poor state of roads in Sapele. Uge Elo Kenneth filmed a video where he was seen bathing on a flooded Shell Road, likening it to a “swimming pool.” In his video, he directly called out the current governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, saying, “You have failed us. Look at the road.”
Kenneth’s aim was to draw attention to the terrible infrastructure issues in his area. Unfortunately, instead of addressing the problems he highlighted, the Delta State government allegedly sent undercover security agents to apprehend him.
Famili said, “We strongly condemn the arrest of Mr Uge Kenneth who was taken into custody by the police 4 days ago for rightly exposing the depilated state of roads in his community shell road Sapele, Delta state.”
His creative protest aimed to shine a light on the neglect of the roads, but the response from the government was to silence him. Many people are questioning why the government is focusing on arresting individuals rather than fixing the roads.
The Take It Back Movement, represented by coordinator Ochuko Famili, strongly condemned Kenneth’s arrest. Famili stated that the government’s actions reflect oppression rather than a commitment to public service. He urged Governor Oborevwori and the Commissioner of Police to release Kenneth and prioritize the infrastructure issues he raised.
The movement’s message is clear: the government needs to concentrate on improving road conditions instead of intimidating citizens who speak out against neglect. The ongoing situation raises important questions about how governments respond to public criticism and the urgent need for better infrastructure in Delta State.
Kenneth’s arrest highlights a troubling trend where governments may prioritize silencing dissent over addressing pressing community issues. As citizens continue to voice their concerns about neglected infrastructure, it remains crucial for the Delta State government to listen and take meaningful action.
He said, “The purpose of government is to serve not to oppress its citizens and the arrest of Mr Kenneth is nothing short of intimidation by certain state leaders who were supposed to attend to the issues he lamented about.
“We call on the Delta state governor Sheriff and the commissioner of police to release the young man in good faith and turn attention to issues he rightly raised.”
