Banks, Shops Shut As Protesters Defy Rains In Akwa Ibom

Amidst tight security, the #EndBadGovernance protesters defied the early morning rains and took to the streets of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital to partake in the nationwide protests which commenced on Thursday.

The protesters who were armed with placards with various inscriptions: “Say no to economic hardship,” “Hunger, Poverty Must End Now,” among others chanted anti-government slogans.

Taking off from the Ibom Plaza Square, the rallying point of every protest in the State, the protesters marched along Aka Road to other major streets on the metropolis.

Businesses including banks and shops were shut as few commercial buses, tricycle operators and private vehicles plied the less busy roads.

The Ibom Plaza arena and its environs were cordoned off by armed security operatives including soldiers, the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), to maintain law and order.

Prior to the commencement of the protest, Governor Umo Eno, the Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, and traditional rulers had appealed to the protesters to shelve the action.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, one of the protesters, Comrade Emem Emma, said the step became necessary “in order to draw government’s attention to the prevailing hardship, hunger, insecurity, soaring food prices and high rate of youth unemployment in the country.”

The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) enjoined governments at various levels to “protect the rights of the people,” and urged the protesters to exercise caution by acting within the ambit of the laws and the constitution.”

Similarly, Director of the pro-democracy group, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, said, “The armed forces, the police and other security agencies should ensure that their operatives deployed during the protests exhibit civility in line with international best practices,” he stressed.