South-east Shuns Nationwide Protest On Day One, As Gov Uzodinma Preaches Restraint

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

On day one of the  #EndBadGovernance protest, the South-east region made good their resolve to shun the exercise.

The Source reports that in most parts of Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra states, residents  preferred to remain indoors .

Their position to remain at home, it was gathered, stemmed more from being proactively  cautious.

But a few also opened their business premises for  normal activities,  amidst near empty streets and roads,  with a few vehicular traffic recorded .

In all, the region acted positively to earlier admonitions by its leaders and opinion moulders who had collectively and individually urged a refrain from the protest .

Most commercial banks, public offices and institutions were equally deserted.

Public and private educational institutions had, before now, been closed.

The people on their own had  exacted self  restraint on the grounds that such past protests resulted in them being made the sacrificial lambs.

The South-east Governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo, National Assembly members from the region, Community and religious leaders in the count down to the August 1 commencement date of the protest had all  called on the people not to participate in the exercise.

Much as they acknowledged the hardship in the land, and the right of the people to protest, they insisted that the exercise was prone to hijack by hoodlums.

Early Thursday morning, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state and Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum reiterated his earlier call for patience and restraint.

Writing on his official site after a meeting with stakeholders, the Imo state Governor appealed  for patience and understanding on the part of the people.

Rather than engaging in protest, he urged everyone to put heads  together on how to come  out of the present situation.

He wrote: “The economic challenges Nigerians face are complex and cannot be resolved within a year.

“However, with collective support and understanding, all can work towards sustainable solutions, navigate these trying times and emerge stronger as a nation.”

During the meeting with the State’s stakeholders, Governor Uzodinma also urged the people of the State not to participate in the nationwide protest.

He further expressed the fear that the protest may be hijacked by undesirable elements, which can lead to dire consequences for both the state and the country.

“My message is clear. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply attuned to the plights of our citizens. He has initiated numerous interventions and programmes aimed at providing immediate relief while laying the groundwork for long term solutions.

“These efforts demonstrate the Government’s commitment to addressing our concerns and improving our collective wellbeing.

“Therefore, I urge all stakeholders to convey this message of patience, trust in the Government’s plans to their constituents.

“This was the highlight of my engagement with various stakeholders in our state ,urging our people to reconsider participating the planned nationwide protest.

“I emphasised the potential dangers of hijacking the protest which could lead to unintended consequences ,despite their  legitimate right to peaceful protest” Governor Uzodinma wrote