Residents of Ekiti state have shunned the ongoing nationwide protest against the prevailing economic hardship in the country.
Our reporter, who visited major towns in the state including Ado-Ekiti, Ikere, Ifaki and Iyin Ekiti to monitor the situation, observed commercial activities went on as usual while residents went about their business activities unhindered.
Business owners were sighted in their various shops even as banks, filling stations, and markets including the popular Oja Oba market in the Ado metropolis opened for businesses.
The Ekiti State Government Secretariat along the new Ado/Iyin road was as usual populated by civil servants, who reported to their duty posts as early as 8 am.
The Old Governor’s Office housing the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Special Duties and Office of Transformation and Service Delivery among others witnessed a beehive of activities.
The major roads in the state capital and streets were busy with commercial and private vehicles as well as motorcycles plying the roads although the traffic was lighter than it used to be.
However, security operatives including the Police, NSCDC and Amotekun Corps were seen in various strategic locations across the state capital.
A 31-year-old resident, who simply gave his name as Bolakale who dismissed the protest, said the government was taking steps to ease the hardship and hunger in the country.
“I have no reason to join the protest. It’s not that I’m comfortable with the present situation but protest would not yield any results rather it would impact negatively on the economy which would invariably heighten the hardship.
“No protest in Nigeria’s history has ever benefited the country’s economic growth and development. I’m quite aware that the government is already addressing the situation and we hope things change for the better soon.
Meanwhile, Some Yoruba leaders have declared total opposition to the planned hunger protest, saying they are unwilling to witness a repeat of the attendant effect of the ENDSARs protest.
The leaders under the aegis of Yoruba Leaders of Thought said that though Nigerians have the right to protest, they should have a rethink and dialogue with the federal government on the issues raised.
Addressing journalist in Ado-Ekiti, the National Leader, and Elder Tajudeen Olusi said President Bola Tinubu and the state governors were aware of the economic hardship and bold steps are being taken to salvage the situation.
The elder statesman represented by the National Secretary, Bayo Aina appealed to Nigerians, most especially the people of the Southwest to shun the protest as it was a ploy by disgruntled elements to destabilize Bola Tinubu’s administration for personal gains.
Olusi asserted that the planned protest from strong indications appears to have political motivations rather than genuine concern for the public interest, hence it should be suspended in the country’s interest.
“We have a total aversion for a protest 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.
“The federal government and the state governors are aware that there is hunger in the country and they are taking steps to address the economic hardship in the land through implementation of people-oriented policies.
“We believe that the steps being taken by the federal government with time would begin to yield results. The borders for the people to import foods without paying tariffs. So the issue of hunger is being addressed.
“Protest is not the solution to the hunger and economic hardship in the country. It will only be counterproductive because there’s no way you can disrupt social and economic activities that would not lead to violence, more so when the organisers were being sponsored”, he added.
