Despite the restriction of movement for today’s Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, compliance appears only partial in Lugbe, where many residents were seen going about their normal activities.

Our correspondent observed that although major markets like Lugbe Market, AMAC Market, alongside several large plazas and shops, remained closed, a number of smaller businesses, including barbing salons, vulcanisers and fruit vendors, were fully operational.

Commercial motorcyclists, tricycle operators and private vehicle owners were also seen plying the roads without hindrance, with no visible security presence enforcing the restriction.

Some residents who spoke with our reporter said they chose to disregard the curfew declared by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, arguing that they had little confidence that their votes would make a difference.

Others explained that economic realities left them with no option but to continue working, noting that shutting down their businesses for the day would mean losing much-needed income in an already harsh economic climate.

“I’ve asked my workers to resume, as our votes won’t count. The winners have been known already. So what’s the point in depriving us from making our daily bread?”a manager of a barbing salon who simply gave his name as Samuel, asked rhetorically.

Kehinde Balogun, a commercial driver who also plies the Jabi-Wuse Market route, said he will use the opportunity of the curfew to sleep and spend a good time with his family.

It was further observed that although the gates of AMAC Market were shut, some traders relocated their goods, including perishable items like meat, tomatoes and fresh pepper, to areas outside the market premises.

Scores of Point of Sales (POS) operators were also seen operating openly along major roads and within residential areas, attending to customers who required cash withdrawals and other financial transactions despite the movement restrictions.

Recall that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike had announced restriction of movement from 8pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday in the six area councils, in preparation for today’s elections.