The proposed nationwide hunger and end bad governance protest by some Nigerian groups has yet to begin in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu.
The situation in Akwa, Enugu Ebonyi and Nsukka, as of 9:00 a.m., involved scanty vehicular and pedestrian movements on some major roads and streets in the state capital.
NAN reports that many residents remained indoors while major markets, malls and banks were closed.
At the popular Holy Ghost/Ogbete Market, little economic activities were going on around the motor parks while some banks were shut, apparently for fear of the protest.
Security agencies also had a heavy presence at the strategic location in the state capital to maintain peace and others.
Speaking on the development, Ambrose Igboke, the chairman of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu chapter, said it was too early to judge whether there would be a protest in Enugu.
“For now, there are no signs of protest anywhere in Enugu or people converging for protest either as an itinerant by procession or protest in a particular location.
“From all indications, people of the South-East are not showing much interest,” Mr Igboke said.
A youth, Chibueze Ugwu, said, “Who wants to die for nothing and besides, a hungry person does not protest. Apart from that, we have been protesting through our usual Monday Sit at Home, so we do not need to storm the streets to expressway our grievances.”
It was similar in Nsukka as there were skeletal activities and movement in Nsukka town and environs at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Some shops, markets, and business centres opened while banks closed their gates to customers. Few commercial buses, tricycles and motorcycles, and few people were seen on the roads.
Police patrol vans from Nsukka police area command were patrolling the town.
In Awka, Anambra’s capital, there was no gathering of people or protesters seen anywhere. Banks were shut down, and businesses operated on a low scale in the capital city amidst the planned protest.
Filling stations in the town were equally closed to business, while intra-city commercial transport operations were normal.
However, the popular Aromma junction was busy with computer service providers, PoS operators, and other small businesses that operated with caution.
A resident, Chijioke, described the situation in Awka as “peaceful.”
Chijioke said the low-key activities were because people were afraid of insecurity even though they would have loved to go about their normal businesses.
Meanwhile, the police commissioner in Anambra, Nnaghe Itam, commended the state’s residents for their peaceful and calm conduct.
Mr Itam assured them of the safety of lives and property and urged the people to go about their normal businesses.
In the capital of Ebonyi, Abakaliki, banks and major markets were shut down, and few people were seen doing their normal business.
A mother of three, Anthonia Abam, expressed delight that her children were on holiday so she did not have to panic about her children’s whereabouts, especially those in the boarding schools.
Credit: NAN
