South-East Residents Shun Nationwide Protest See Why

(iexclusivenews) – As the Nationwide Protest kicked off, residents of Nigeria’s South-East region largely avoided the economic hardship and insecurity protests that began on Thursday and are scheduled to last until August 10.

The protest, aimed to address pressing economic issues, saw minimal participation across Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi states.

Enugu:

Minimal Movement and Closed Businesses

In Enugu, a PREMIUM TIMES reporter observed minimal human and vehicular movement on Thursday.

Many street shops, banks, and petrol stations remained closed, and although the popular Ogbete Main Market was open many shops were still shut.

Most residents stayed indoors, with a food vendor, Chinyere Edeh, explaining that fears of targeted violence by security agencies kept people from participating.

Imo:

Lockdown and Fear of Violence

The situation in Imo was different, with the state capital, Owerri, on lockdown. Resident Ben Okolo reported no protests, attributing the low turnout to recent shootings by gunmen enforcing a controversial sit-at-home order.

Another resident, Chijioke Nwakamma, noted that the fear of violence, including vehicle burnings, deterred people from protesting.

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Anambra: 

Deserted Streets and Closed Businesses

In Anambra, residents stayed indoors, Arinze Ajaezu, a shop owner at Onitsha Main Market, returned home due to the lack of activity.

Dennis Emmanuel, another resident, observed that banks and businesses did not open, although some shops began to open later in the day.

Ebonyi:

Business Shutdowns

Ebonyi State also saw residents shunning the protest, with businesses shutting down.

Ifeanyi Nwigwe, a shop owner at Abakaliki International Market, confirmed the lack of protest activity.

Abia:

Calm and No Nationwide Protest

In Abia State, the situation was similar, with no protests taking place resident Victor Akuma and journalist Emmanuel Nwazue reported calm conditions and closed shops and banks

This low turnout highlights the complex dynamics and fears influencing public participation in the nationwide protest across South-East Nigeria.

The region’s response underscores citizens’ broader challenges amid economic hardship and insecurity.