Residents of Ebonyi have shunned the nationwide hunger and bad governance protest which began on August 1, across the country as major Streets in Abakaliki were deserted.
The protest according to the organisers is aimed at registering concerns about the rising cost of living and need to reduce high cost of governance across all the levels of governments in Nigeria.
Our who monitored development in Abakaliki and parts of the state reports that residents of state boycotted the scheduled protest while many stayed indoors for fear of the unknown.
Meanwhile, the busy roads in Abakaliki metropolis including the ever-busy Abakaliki – Enugu , Abakaliki – Afikpo road as well as intracity roads were scanty of human and vehicular movements.
Also, commercial and business activities were at low ebbs while commercial banks , filling stations and major businesses closed for business.
However, business activities at the Ebonyi International Market and the Ophoke-Abba Kpiri-kpiri market opened shops for business.
Meanwhile, major corporate businesses including Roban stores located along the Old Abakaliki road, Fine Brothers at Water Works, entries including Kilimanjaro, Crunches and Chicken Republic among others didn’t open for customers.
A resident of Abakaliki, Mr John Onwe who spoke to our correspondent said that the protest did not hold in Ebonyi due to high sensitisation against the planned protest.
“Government held a youth and stakeholders meeting on Wednesday to dissuade Ebonyi youths and citizens from participating in the planned strike,” Onwe said.
He noted that the protest would not profer credible solution to the current economic quagmire and urged Nigerians across all walks of life to support the current leadership to steer the country to prosperity.
Mr Joseph Eluu, a resident of Amasiri, in Afikpo North Local Government Area told NAN that Amasiri and the entire Afikpo LGA was calm and peaceful adding that commercial and business activities were going on in the area while people were going about their normal business.
“There is no protest in Afikpo, while business and other commercial activities are going on and people are going about their businesses freely and unmolested,” he said.
Meanwhile, our correspondent recalled that at the youths and stakeholders meeting on Wednesday in Abakaliki, the leaders of the state who spoke in their numbers, were of the view that protests would not only bring about retrogressive tendencies but also destabilisation of the polity.
Gov. Francis Nwifuru urged the youths of the state to refrain from participating in the planned national protest.
Nwifuru reminded youths and stakeholders that the interactive meeting was set aside to provide governments and other stakeholders in youth development with the opportunity to draw attention to issues that have direct bearing on the resolve to better the lots of young people.
“This event today is timely and appropriate at this period when our youths are restive and confrontational in their demands for policies that would make them fulfill their life purposes.
“Today, we gather to listen, to learn, and to collaborate. I want to hear your ideas, your concerns, and your aspirations. We will work together to address the challenges you face and to unlock your full potential.
“I am aware of the planned protest against hunger and bad governance scheduled to take place across the country including Ebonyi. While I understand the reasons and concerns that have led to this call to action, I strongly urge you all to refrain from participating in this protest.
“As your governor, my administration is committed to addressing the challenges we face, and we are working tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens.
“However, protests can often lead to unintended consequences, including violence, destruction of property, and disruption of essential services.
“Instead, I invite you to engage with us through constructive dialogue and peaceful channels such as today’s event. We have established these mechanisms for feedback and complaints, and we are always willing to listen to your concerns.
“I appeal to Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration who obviously is making efforts to fix the country and make lives better for the citizens,” Nwifuru said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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