Several traders and shop owners in the Obio/Akpor area of Rivers State defied the state government’s no-movement directive on Saturday, opening their businesses during the local government council elections.
Despite the restriction, many cited economic hardship and survival concerns as the reasons for continuing operations.
The Rivers State Government had earlier imposed a 12-hour no-movement order across all 23 local government areas to ensure the smooth conduct of elections to fill chairmanship and councillorship positions.
However, the directive was met with resistance, as some shops and roadside stalls remained open, with traders serving customers throughout the day.
Chinedu Okoro, a provision store owner at Woji Ward 6, explained that while he was aware of the government’s directive, he had no choice but to open his shop. “I have three children and a sick mother to take care of. If I don’t sell today, we won’t eat,” Okoro said. “The government should understand that not everyone can afford to stay indoors without income.”
Similarly, Comfort Brown, who runs a food stall, expressed concern over potential losses due to the perishable nature of her goods. “I bought vegetables and meat yesterday before I was told of the restriction. If I don’t cook and sell, everything will spoil. I cannot afford that kind of loss,” she stated.
Another resident, who identified herself only as Miss Blessing, a fruit seller, chose to open her business rather than remain idle at home, especially with the absence of power supply. She pointed out that despite the restriction, people were still moving around for various reasons. “I decided to open my stall because staying home with no light wasn’t an option,” she said.
