As tensions rise over the planned protests dubbed “Fearless in October,” traders, marketers, and shop owners across the six Area Councils of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, have issued a stern warning to protest organizers. They firmly state that they will not allow their business premises to be targeted or vandalized under the guise of civil unrest.
Voices of Concern
Chief Raphael Okorie, the Chairman of the All Chairmen and Secretaries of FCT Markets and Plazas, conveyed these concerns in a statement released on Friday. He emphasized the distress that such protests often bring to local businesses, highlighting a troubling pattern of theft and vandalism that accompanies these demonstrations.
“Protesters often target shops, markets, and plazas,” Okorie noted, expressing the sentiment that traders and business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will not remain passive while hoodlums exploit protests to launch attacks on their livelihoods.
The Rationale Behind the Protests
The planned protests are set for October 1, with organizers citing a range of issues, including the skyrocketing cost of living, insecurity, and various socio-economic challenges that have escalated since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office. While many citizens resonate with the grievances raised by the protest organizers, Okorie and his fellow traders are adamant that the potential consequences of the protests far outweigh the intended message.
A Call for Alternative Outlets
Acknowledging the right to peaceful assembly, Okorie urged protesters to consider alternative methods for voicing their frustrations. “While we understand the need for people to express their discontent, we believe that taking to the streets at this critical time will only invite chaos,” he stated. He underscored that while traders are equally affected by the ongoing economic crisis, public demonstrations are illogical, as they risk being hijacked by troublemakers who could further exacerbate the situation.
Acknowledging the Struggles Ahead
Despite the warning, Okorie also expressed empathy for the broader Nigerian populace, acknowledging that the nation is in a difficult phase. “We recognize the reality of our situation. The administration of President Tinubu is undertaking significant reforms, and though these changes may come with challenges, we believe in a brighter future,” he said, expressing hope that Nigeria will eventually emerge from its current difficulties.
Solidarity Against Violence
As the October 1 protest date approaches, Okorie reiterated the solidarity among traders and business owners in Abuja, stressing their commitment to safeguarding their establishments. “We will not stand by and let our sources of livelihood be destroyed,” he declared. He further urged the protest organizers to abandon their plans for the benefit of both the community and the economy.
The warning from Abuja’s traders reflects a broader sentiment of caution and concern amid the rising socio-economic tensions in Nigeria. As citizens grapple with the realities of daily life, the interplay between the right to protest and the need for public safety remains a complex issue. While the call for change resonates with many, the potential risks associated with protests loom large, prompting a reevaluation of how grievances can be expressed without jeopardizing the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
