Today, a nationwide protest against hunger and hardship unfolded in several states across the country, but Abia State did not witness significant participation, with most residents choosing to stay at home or carry on with their usual activities.
Initial concerns about potential protests in Umuahia and Aba were unfounded as both cities remained peaceful, with residents opting not to gather for demonstrations.
In Aba, the majority of residents stayed indoors or kept their shops closed, opting not to join any street protests. Movement of people and vehicles in the area was notably limited.
Meanwhile, Umuahia, the state capital, exuded a sense of calm, with residents who ventured out left undisturbed, despite many businesses keeping their doors shut.
Isi Gate, typically bustling with activity, saw reduced foot traffic, with only a handful of transporters and traders carrying on while others stayed at home.
Banks in Umuahia refrained from providing services to the few customers who made their way there, following advice from security personnel to utilize alternative banking channels.
Government offices operated as usual, though some were not operating at full capacity by mid-morning as employees from distant locations faced challenges in arriving on time.
Speaking to NewsNow, Shedrack Nkemjika, a commercial bus driver at Isi Gate, expressed gratitude that residents of Abia did not resort to open protests.
Nkemjika remarked, “Any open protests could have been exploited by those against Abia and Ndigbo to instigate trouble. While we acknowledge our hardship and hunger, refraining from participating was the wisest decision.”
Last Tuesday, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, in a live radio address, called on the people, particularly the youth, to eschew violence and destruction in the name of protests.
Otti also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and parents to encourage their youth to pursue a better Nigeria through peaceful means.