Economic activities were paralysed in Enugu as some residents joined the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests which started across the nation on Thursday.
Banks, petrol stations, eateries and markets were deserted as most residents remained indoors.
Also, commercial transport operators offered skeletal services, while teams of security operatives were seen patrolling major parts of the metropolis.
There were also military checkpoints in several places including New Haven, Ogui road, Gariki and Independence Layout.
However, a pocket of protesters who were seen with placards and chanting anti-government songs marched from Naira Triangle through New Haven, Ogui Road, Presidential road and terminated at Okpara square.
The protesters numbering about 50 converged under the Office of the Citizens Federal Republic of Nigeria, displayed placards with inscriptions, “End corruption in Nigeria; say no to corruption; End hardship, Let our vote count; Free INEC; Reduce fuel price, listen to youths’ cry.”
Speaking at the end of the protest, the leader of the youths, Onyebuchi Igboke accused President Bola Tinubu of being insensitive to the plight of hungry Nigerians, adding that the protest will continue until the president meets their demands.
“We are protesting because the president is highly insensitive to the hardship across the country. We all can agree that in this country everyone is suffering. Whether you are Christian, Muslim or even unbelievers, we are all suffering. We are united in suffering. Whenever it comes to a solution, we are divided.
“The idea is that politicians have mastered the art of divide and rule. Now you will be hearing some voices from the South East, from the Northern part, from the South West, they will be telling us to endure. Endure till when? What are the chances that the government is doing as if they have direction?
“By now we are supposed to have a clear direction as to where the government is going. Should we talk about the refineries that are not working? Should we talk about hunger? Should we talk about insecurity up North or down here in the South East and across the country? Should we talk about the unemployment rate? Should we talk about dollar increases day by day?
“What is the government doing exactly to address this to meet the needs of the priority. As of this morning we know that the fuel is sold at N800 to N900. What are the indicators that things will be done right? I am happy that we came out in our numbers to solidarise with other Nigerians across the country”.
“We are calling on the president to begin to cut down on the cost of governance. Let him reduce his cabinet. He should fight corruption. Why did he remove the fuel subsidy? Up till this moment, you did not go after those who are benefiting from it.
“It is like the president is also benefiting from this corruption. So he should go after these people so we can begin to use our money to solve our problems. We are tired of this as a nation. We are tired. We are continuing this protest until the president does the needful.
“On behalf of my fellow protesters, the office of the citizen, federal republic of Nigeria, which is the highest office in the land, I say we are not going to give up, we will continue to land, I say we are not going to give up.
“We are going to continue. We are telling the people that the security agencies are not going to suppress you. Democracy is about your voice but be peaceful about it”, he said.
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