HURPA Condemns Alleged Withdrawal of Umuseti-Ogbe Youth President’s Salary

The Human Rights Pathfinders Association (HURPA) has strongly condemned the alleged withdrawal of one year salary belonging to the Youth President of Umuseti-Ogbe, Comr. Osuya Chuks Godwin, calling for immediate reinstatement, a thorough investigation, and prosecution of all persons found culpable.

In a statement made available following a complaint received from the affected youth leader, HURPA described the development as “a serious abuse of administrative power and a potential violation of fundamental human rights,” urging relevant authorities in Delta State to act swiftly and transparently.

According to Comr. Osuya Chuks Godwin, the salary withdrawal was allegedly linked to his participation in the June 16, 2025 “Light Up Ndokwa” initiative. He further claimed that his removal from the payroll was politically motivated, alleging that he was perceived as “a threat to the government of Delta State under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.”

He also alleged that while other youth leaders continue to receive their monthly stipends, his own entitlements were selectively withheld without due process or official explanation.

HURPA, reacting to the development, described the allegation as discriminatory and unjust, stressing that if proven true, it would amount to a violation of constitutional guarantees under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly:

Section 34, which guarantees the right to dignity of human person, prohibiting inhuman or degrading treatment.

Section 36, which guarantees fair hearing before any punitive administrative action is taken.

Section 42, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of circumstance or association.

Section 39, which protects freedom of expression, including participation in civic and community advocacy.

The association emphasized that punitive action against a public or community officer for civic engagement, without due process, undermines democratic participation and violates the rule of law.

HURPA therefore called on the Delta State Government, relevant local government authorities, and security agencies to immediately:

Restore the alleged withheld salary if wrongdoing is not established.

Launch an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal.

Identify and prosecute any official found to have acted outside lawful authority or engaged in victimization.

The group warned that silence in the face of alleged injustice encourages abuse of power and weakens public trust in governance structures.

“The era where citizens suffer in silence over perceived injustice must end. Every allegation of abuse must be properly investigated and addressed within the ambit of the law,” the association stated.

HURPA further urged members of the public who experience similar issues of rights violation or administrative victimization to report such cases through its official self-service reporting platform for prompt intervention and documentation.

As at press time, efforts to obtain official response from the concerned local authorities were unsuccessful.