Traders, marketers, and shop owners across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have warned protesters intending to disrupt activities in the nation’s capital, urging them to steer clear of their business areas.
Chairman of all chairmen and secretaries of FCT Markets and Plazas, Chief Raphael Okorie, in a statement expressed concerns, highlighting that protests often lead to theft and damage within shops, markets, and plazas.
Okorie emphasised that local traders and business owners will not accept any attack on their enterprises under the disguise of protests.
With plans for protests on October 1st centering around issues such as the rising cost of living and insecurity since President Bola Tinubu took office, Okorie acknowledged the right to protest but stressed that the consequences often fall on business owners in Abuja.
He urged protesters to consider alternative avenues for voicing their grievances.
While recognising the economic challenges faced by traders, Okorie argued that protesting against the government could be counterproductive, especially given the risk of opportunistic hoodlums taking control of the situation and exacerbating the chaos.
“Nigeria is indeed going through a tough time, a reality we cannot ignore. We understand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is working on crucial reforms, which understandably come with difficulties,” Okorie stated.
“We believe that brighter days are ahead for our nation, which is why we have chosen not to engage in the planned protests on October 1st,” he said.
Okorie reiterated that while they do not oppose the right to protest, they strongly advise against it due to the potential for violence and disruption.
“Hoodlums tend to exploit these situations, and our members often bear the brunt of their actions, facing attacks on our businesses and properties,” he added.
Okorie called on protesters to reconsider their plans, warning that if they proceed, they must keep their activities away from business premises, saying that traders are determined to protect their means of livelihoods.