Ahead of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, Abuja residents have started stockpiling their homes with food and medicines, The Guardian has learnt.
Organisers of the planned protest, billed for August 1 to 10, insist that it is aimed at addressing both economic
hardships and longstanding systemic issues, such as corruption.
A cross-section of residents in the Federal Capital Territory told The Guardian that they were getting prepared for the protest by buying enough food and drugs that would last them while the action lasted.
According to them, they don’t know the form and shape the demonstration would take, hence the need to take caution.
A visit to some of the markets in the Lugbe area, including AMAC, Lugbe, and Babangida Markets, revealed that some traders are making brisk gains from customers due to the proposed protest.
Our correspondent observed that while residents are rushing for staple foods like garri, rice, potato, and noodle, most people are avoiding yam due to the high cost.
A civil servant, Adaora Wakama, said she was advised to stock her home for fear of the unknown.
“The person I usually patronise for food stuff called that I should stock my home because they are not sure if the market would open during the protest period. Even though we are yet to be paid salary, I had to look for money elsewhere to buy foodstuff and restock my husband’s high blood pressure and diabetes drugs,” she said.
A businessman, Leke Olarere, said he is aware that people are stocking their homes with what they need during the period of the 10-day demonstration.
He also said he had promised his wife that he would provide money to get foodstuffs as the protest may turn violent.
His words: “Before the protest commences, I would ensure I mobilise my wife properly to ensure nothing is lacking at home. During the EndSARS protest, I failed to plan and we paid dearly for it. This time, I won’t take chances. I have learnt a bitter lesson never to underestimate any protest or demonstration in Nigeria. Things may go south and if you fail to plan adequately, you will have yourself to blame.”
A trader who simply identified herself as Mama lamented that due to the economic situation in the country, most of her customers had to buy on credit to stock their homes.
THEGUARDIAN
