BY GRANDBALL CHOICE/Ambrose Ologide/Isan Carlos
Calm has gradually returned to most urban centres in Delta State as commercial activities resumed on the fourth day of the nationwide protest against hunger.
In Ughelli for instance, despite initial concerns about potential disruptions by protesting groups, the area, yesterday, remained peaceful, with protesters backing down following a strong appeal by the local government Chairman, Hon. Jaro Egbo, and the police.
Several markets, shops and other businesses closed during the first, second and third day of the protest have re-opened, allowing traders and customers to carry on with their daily transactions.
Our correspondent reported that transportation services have also started to operate partially at the state’s transport hub, Delta Line at Otovwodo, in Ughelli, with vehicles back on the roads and commuters continuing with their usual journeys.
The protesters, who are advocating for good governance, economic development, and an end to corruption, have been marching through the main streets of Ughelli, chanting slogans and displaying placards.
The improved peace and the gradual resumption of commercial activities in Ughelli, the focal point of the protest in Delta State, can be credited to the heavy presence of police and other security forces who were stationed around Otovwodo junction and other parts.
Residents who had initially stayed indoors out of fear have started coming out to resume their daily activities with a renewed sense of safety.
However, men of the Nigeria Police were observed patrolling in strategic areas in the llocal government.
In Asaba, there was normal activities on major roads and markets in the state capital. Our correspondents, who went round the city, reported that social and economic activities were going on unhindered.
At strategic post, policemen and other security agents mounted security apparently to forestal possible protest by youths.
Also, in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas, there was calm and peaceful atmosphere, yesterday.
Residents, who are Christians were seen trooping to churches peacefully unmindful of the protest.
The usual Sunday trading went on peacefully at the popular Igbudu Market in Warri.
Workers of Julius Berger in charge of the construction of the multi billion-naira flyover projects were seen working at PTI Junction by East West Road and the popular Enerhen Junction in peace.
However, some handful of armed policemen were seen at the Okumagba Estate Roundabout.
Few armed soldiers were also seen at the Effurun Roundabout while pedestrians and commuters went going about their normal activities peacefully.
In the same vein, in Ika North East, economic activities thrived in BojiBojiOwa Metropolis and other parts of the council area in peace, as protesters in the area shaved the protest against bad governance in the country.
Business activities in the council area were in full swing as traders failed to the join the protest but stick to their businesses.
Some of the respondents who spoke in anonymity to our correspondent, urged the youths to channel their precious time, energy and resources into good economic ventures, nothing that past experiences of using protest as an alternative means to addressed issues of national interest had not yield any positive results.
Others were of the opinion that bad economy situation that faced the nation was caused by people who believed that only some certain regions should be allowed to lead the country.
Although some shops were under lock on the first day of the protest, which some said was due to fear and tensions of the protest so that their shops will not be looted by suspected hoodlums who may hijack the situation.
Some of the places visited that were peaceful by our correspondent, yesterday, include; the Boji Boji Owa Modern Garage, Business Shops along Abraka Road, Slaughter House, Motorcycle market at Cemetery Road, old Lagos-Asaba Road, Owa Aliero Market and Owa Oyibu, the administrative headquarters of Ika North East Local Government Area.
Markets, Shops and Petrol Stations in the above areas mentioned above opened for business in peaceful atmosphere without molestation.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that despite the fact that there was no protesters in Ika North East, the council Chairman, Hon. Monday Odigwe, charged security operatives in the area to be on red alert to ensure peace, order and security of lives and property of people living in the area.
