Banks, shops open in Ekiti as residents shun #EndBadGovernance protest

The much-anticipated protest against bad governance, which began today, failed to take place in Ekiti, as no protesters converged at Fajuyi Park, the usual venue for such events.

Recall that the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, had on Wednesday vowed to ensure the protection of lives and property of citizens of the state in the wake of the planned nationwide protests in the country.

Oyebanji had, in a statewide broadcast, said Nigeria and its people cannot afford “another massive destruction of our economic base” as witnessed during the #EndSARS protest that led to the destruction of many private and government infrastructures.

In addition, the state government had met with various interest groups, including the monarchs, student leaders, market women, artisans, drivers, and the security agencies, with the goal of nipping the protest in the bud.

However, when our reporter visited the usual convergence point at Fajuyi Park in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, there were no protesters, except armed security forces that cordoned the area.

Also, several workers stayed away from work, as a few workers were sighted at the State Secretariat and some other offices visited; several offices were under lock and key.

Government palliative buses that usually convey workers didn’t work.

When The Guardian visited Bank Road, the banks along the corridor were open for business, while shops around the area were also open for business.

On the other hand, markets in the state capital, including Bisi Market and Okeisa Market, are busy with buying and selling.

Meanwhile, the Yoruba Elders under the auspices of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought lauded the youths for shunning the protest in Ekiti.

The leaders of thought, who declared their opposition to the strike, urged the youths in other states to think of those who depend on daily incomes to survive before embarking on long strikes with processions.

Speaking to newsmen, the national leader of the group and ex-permanent secretary, Elder Tajudeen Olusi, said that most of the complaints of the youths, especially hunger, are being addressed by the government.

Olusi said that the government has opened its door for people to bring food without paying any tariff, in addition to the free distribution of food as palliatives.

“We have total aversion for a strike that will last ten days. It is abnormal. We are not opposed to a protest, but a protest that will last long will degenerate to an unanticipated and undesirable outcome, and we don’t want it. We urged people to go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation.”