NATIONWIDE PROTESTDAY – ONE: STAN LOOKING MASKED GUNMEN INTIMIDATE IMO RESIDENTS OUT OF THE STREETS OF OWERRI:
Written by darling on August 2, 2024
BY CHRISTIAN NWOKOCHA
The nationwide protest which started on Thursday in most states of the federation made significant impact in Nigeria’s history, except in Imo State where government officials and masked gunmen allegedly employed intimidation strategies to ensure that those willing to protest will not find a secure place to demonstrate their anger against “bad governance”.
On the eve of the protest day, Owerri, being the state capital of Imo State turned into a “war zone” as stan looking security operatives took over the state capital, leading to the rumour of a jail break in Owerri.
Owerri residents sustained injuries and motorists with multiple accidents as they scamper for safety.
Analysts have said that events in the last two days in Owerri which do not guarantee safety of lives and properties accounted for why those willing to protest against bad governance refused to show up, just as Egbu road, Fire service junction and other places in and outside Owerri were empty on the planned protest day.
Recall that the Governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodimma repeatedly said that the people of Imo State and the South East do not have need to protest against bad governance, a statement widely criticised by analysts who strongly believed that Imo governor should not be the one to speak for Nigerians who are willing to protest against bad governance at all levels.
