Business activities across the major states in the Niger Delta were brought to a halt as the turnout of protesters failed to meet expectations.
Aside from Benin in Edo states where the protester turnout was significantly large, other states in the oil-rich regions saw minimal turnout of protesters.
In Asaba, a resident of the city, Mr. Francis, who spoke to TheWitness said that commercial activities were grounded as banks, shops and markets were closed due to the protest.
The city centre including the ever-busy Shoprite supermarket, down to Okpanam and Koka junction, was a near ghost town as residents shun protest.
Security operatives including Police were seen patrolling the city as there were literally no sign of protesters anywhere.
According to Mr. Francis, “It looks like a curfew was declared rather than a protest. Many people are afraid coupled with the statement from the government that we should not protest.”
In the ancient city of Benin, residents defied warnings from the government and traditional rulers as the #EndBadGovernance protest recorded a significant turnout of people. The popular Oba market was shut down as Ring Road- the city centre was blocked by placard-carrying protesters.
Also, banks and business activities across the city were closed due to the protest and fear it could degenerate into chaos.
In Bayelsa state, protesters blocked the popular Tombia road as commercial activities in Yenagoa were ground to a halt. Police officers were also seen on major roads across the city protecting the ongoing civil protest.
That of Port-Harcourt city was different as protesters’ turnout was low and the streets were nearly deserted with very limited movements. However, protesters marched along the popular Aba Road to the state’s government House.
