Ondo, Ekiti residents shun protest, low turnout in Ogun

• Markets, shops closed for fear of violence
• Yoruba leaders urge youths to exercise restraint

The nationwide protests flopped in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday, as residents refrained from participating in the action.The Guardian, while monitoring the situation within the metropolis, observed that the major roads were deserted, as few vehicles were seen moving and some people taking a walk.

The popular Oba Adesida-Oyemekun Road, as well as Arakale Road, which used to witness a beehive of activities, were shadows of themselves as most residents stayed indoors.

Also, markets in the city were all closed down as traders locked their shops over fear of possible violence.
At the busy Olukayode Complex, the traders, mostly men, were seen playing football on a section of the road adjacent to the central mosque.

Meanwhile, security operatives were strategically positioned at various junctions in the state capital to forestall any breakdown of law and order. Similarly, the planned protest, under the banner of #EndBadGovernance, recorded a low turnout in Ogun State.

As of 10:44 a.m., yesterday, only four protesters gathered at Ansar-ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota, in the state. One of the protesters, Olaniyi Olalekan, said: “We are tired of this country. This current administration has frustrated us. It has changed a lot of things in the country. It has turned against us and all the companies against us. We cannot sleep with our two eyes closed. Even the United States (U.S.) dollars have turned against us.”

“Nigerians are hungry; people are dying and can no longer go to the hospital. Enough is enough,” another protester said. Also, no protester was seen at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, the designated venue for the demonstration in the state capital.

The Guardian observed that many shops in Ota remained closed, and there were very few cars on the road. A petty trader at Mowe in Obafemi Owode Local Council of the state along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, AdiatMukuala, said she had to wait to observe the situation before coming out.She expressed optimism that business activities would pick up tomorrow as many traders were initially sceptical about the situation, and decided to stay indoors.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Alamutu Abiodun, was on ground to ensure no breakdown of law and order, as he continued on routine patrol and visibility policing. He called on residents to go about their lawful activities void of anxiety and panic.

Abiodun had urged officers and men of the police to maintain high level of civility, courage and professionalism. He also urged them to apply utmost discretion towards any form of provocation during the protest.

Meanwhile, there was no protest in Ekiti State. When The Guardian visited the usual convergent point for protests at Fajuyi Park in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, there was no protester, except armed security forces that cordoned off the area.

Also, several workers stayed away from work, as few were sighted at the state secretariat and some other offices visited. Several other offices were under lock and key. Government palliative buses that usually convey workers didn’t work.

Besides, banks along the corridor opened for business, while shops around the area were also opened for business activities.However, the Yoruba elders, under the auspices of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought, lauded the youths for shunning the protest in the state.

They urged the youths in other states to think of those who depend on daily income to survive before embarking on long processions. National Leader of the group, TajudeenOlusi, said that most of the complaints of the youths, especially hunger, are being addressed by the government.