Protest: Fear of violence, lawlessness halts economic activities in Cross River
Ani Bassey
The fear of violence and lawlessness forced businesses and government agencies to shut their doors in Calabar, the capital city of Calabar.
The end bad governance protest was scheduled to kick off today and several associations and trade unions in the state dissociated themselves from the protest.
However, despite this, businesses, banks, traders and market women stayed away from their business premises today.
Businesses across the metropolis, including banks and government offices remained under lock and key.
At the popular Etim Edem Park, virtually all the shops in the centre were shut for business.
A trader who craved anonymity at the Etim Edem Market said they decided to close so as not to become victims.
She added that businesses in the state are still suffering from the last EndSARS destructions and so they choose to be cautions in their approach.
Similarly, financial institutions within the Metropolis particularly those along Calabar Road were not open for business.
Checks by our correspondent showed that residents largely stayed indoors and there was a huge deployment of security personnel across the metropolis.
The state governor in a passionate state wide address pleaded with residents to stay away from the protests and pledged to offer good governance to the people.
Similarly, about 20 organisations and associations backed out on the even of the protest in order to give the president and governor more time to address concerns of the people.