Streets Deserted, Banks, Shops Closed In Abakaliki

Major streets and roads in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, have remained deserted since the early hours of yesterday. Banks, shops, and other businesses are also shut down following the hunger protest currently going on in some parts of the country.

As at the time of filing in this report, there was no presence of protesters at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium Abakaliki, the Pastoral center junction and the Presco Junction Abakaliki where protesters usually converge to carry out protest against bad governance.

When LEADERSHIP Friday visited some of the commercial banks in the state, it was observed that all the banks remained closed as the customers were directed by the security personnel attached to the banks to make use of the ATM.

It was also observed that there are heavy presence of security personnel at the Presco Junction, G-Hostel Junction, Spera N’ Deo junction and other strategic points within and outside the state capital.

The state government and other leaders in the state had yesterday appealed to youths in the state not to participate in the hunger protest. Several groups including the Ohaneze Ndigbo, National Youth Council of Nigeria, student union bodies, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC unanimously said that they won’t be joining the protest.

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In an interview with the National Human Rights Commission, Ebonyi State coordinator Mr Christopher Okorie said that avoidable hunger and curable diseases has taken over the lives of the people, while transportation cost has gone beyond 40%. He said the Naira is depreciating at an alarming rate, while the minimum wage has been agreed upon but the new minimum wage is as useless as anything, adding that people are no longer comfortable in the country.

“Things are not going the right way and the people want to express themselves but the political office holders seem not to be in favour of the protest but I wouldn’t know what is there reason that they wouldn’t want to allow the people protest.

“The onus is on the people. It is their right to protest. If you want to express yourself and you are told not to, and you accept, then the blame is on you. So far, I have not seen anyone gathering in Abakaliki to protest and complaining that their rights have been violated.