Hunger protests: Uneasy calm as normalcy returns to Abuja

By Stanley Onyekwere

There are visible signs of return of normalcy to Abuja, the nation’s capital city as residential and commercial activities are gradually picking up, almost a week after commencement of the ongoing planned 10-day nationwide #End bad governance protests.

Recall that most offices and business premises in Abuja were largely vacated since last  in the wake of the protests by some Nigerians,  targeted at seeking an end to the prevailing hunger and economic hardship due alleged bad governance.

But, this week, it could be observed that even amid  palpable uneasy calmness to the series of turbulence  demonstrations and disruption of economic and social activities in Abuja, there is seemingly steady flow of life back to normal in the city.

Checks yesterday revealed increased human and vehicular traffic  within and around the city, as more people are now returning back to their various places of work and trading activities, almost a week the protests started.

Also, activities at many private and public workplaces and petty trading spots  are starting to pick up, as more people were seen thronging into such places.

For some persons sighed at bus stops trying to board vehicles to  their different places of work businesses, who decried the deepening of the prevailing economic hardship in the land due to violence trailing the protests, the  government and the protesters should converge and dialogue to proffer solutions that would ensure that normalcy is returned as quickly as possible.

They particularly urged those involved including security agencies to see that they not only ensure that normalcy is returned immediately, but ensure that what happened during the last few days is not allowed to happen again, in order to restore confidence of people in the Territory.

Responding to the uneasy  general outlook of activities within and the FCT, a resident, who operates a business in the city centre, Brown Okorie, noted that since the protests erupted last, he and others trading in the same area have been afraid going about with their activities, due to the situation.

He however, noted that to ensure full return of normalcy to Abuja, the government should deliver on its primary goal, which is to safeguard lives, property and livelihoods, because they are the fundamental bedrock of any society.

Similarly, a public servant, who simply gave her name as Maryam, said the situation  is still very tensed as a lot of people very security conscious, hence cannot be comfortable staying outside their homes for fears of being caught up in the protests.

She noted that though she and some of colleagues show up in the office this week,  but they leave for their various areas two hours ahead of their usual  closing time, due to slow pace of work and security concerns.

pupils sitting on the floor to learn. It’s a pathetic situation. Therefore, we’re grateful that the chairman remembered to provide desks for us.

“It means a lot to us. We have 420 pupils in the school, so these desks will go a long way in supporting their learning in a conducive environment. We are also grateful to the chairman for the ongoing construction of another classroom block and toilet for us. Words alone cannot express how grateful we are”, he said. Another beneficiary, Mr. Wilson Daniel, said the training will help him in looking at better ways of generating revenue for the council without harassing residents.