The national protest against hunger and hardship, which took place in several states across the nation today, did not see participation in Abia State, as most residents stayed at home while a few went about their normal businesses.
Though there were initial fears that the protest might occur in Umuahia and Aba or be hijacked, both cities remained calm as residents refrained from gathering to stage the protest.
In Aba, most residents stayed indoors or locked their shops, refusing to take to the streets in protest. Scant movement of people and vehicles was also observed.
In Umuahia, the state capital, there was calm around the city. Residents who came out were not harassed or molested, even though many shops remained closed.
Isi Gate, the busiest part of the city, was not at its peak, with only a few transporters and traders working while others stayed home.
Banks in Umuahia did not offer services to the few customers who arrived, as security personnel advised them to use other available banking channels.
Government offices continued normal business, although many offices were not filled to capacity by mid-morning, as staff from distant areas struggled to reach work on time.
A commercial bus driver at Isi Gate, Shedrack Nkemjika, who spoke to Newspot, expressed relief that Abia residents did not engage in open protest.
According to Nkemjika: “Enemies of Abia and Ndigbo would have capitalized on any open protest to cause problems. We are in hardship. We are hungry, but I think we did the best thing by not joining.”
Newspot recalls that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, addressed the people on Tuesday during a live radio broadcast, appealing to them, especially the youths, to avoid destroying lives and property in the name of protests.
Otti urged traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to persuade their children to maintain peace and order in their quest for a better Nigeria.
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