Traders in the Relief Market, Onitsha, ignored a police order that restricted movement as they engaged in active business on Saturday morning, coinciding with the start of the Anambra governorship election. By 7 a.m., the traders had set up their temporary stalls, offering goods and food along the main road, despite official warnings to avoid the streets during the electoral process.
Even with the presence of police officers enforcing the movement restriction, the marketplace in Onitsha remained lively, with residents stopping for last-minute purchases, particularly those buying food.
Mrs. Grace Ezeh, a vegetable vendor, spoke with our correspondent and explained her presence in the market. She stated, “Elections may be important, but so is our livelihood.”
Similarly, Mrs. Ngozi Uche mentioned she was in the market to pick up some items before heading to the polls. “I need to buy some food before I go vote,” she softly said while navigating the busy market.
Another resident from Aroma, Awka, Chisom Uzor, shared, “I came to buy food which I will eat this morning before going to vote.”
Despite the movement restrictions, a few vehicles were observed traveling along the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway, picking up and dropping off passengers heading to various destinations.
The police announced in a press statement on Friday that the movement restriction would be in place between 12 a.m. and 6 p.m. on election day.
According to Punch Online, 16 candidates from 16 political parties are competing to challenge the current governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who is also seeking re-election under the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Photos credit: Ikenna Obianeri
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
