As Edeoga commiserates with Ogbete protest victims
Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Residents of Enugu, capital of Enugu State, have cried out over the full militarisation of the city by the State Government after the protest that took one life left many injured in Ogbete Market on Wednesday.
It would be recalled that the residents woke up on Thursday to meet the presence of battle ready Soldiers mount road blocks on every corner of the city.
The stern looking soldiers, though not harassing residents, their presence was seen as scary and provocative.
Speaking, a resident, Mrs Ifeoma Eze, said she was surprised to see the soldiers everywhere.
“I was scared because it is unusual. We have been seeing the police mount road blocks at strategic positions.
“That is normal because it is their duty to maintain law and order, but what are the soldiers doing on streets of Enugu; are we fighting war?,” Eze queried.
In the same vein, Mr Cyril Umeadi, a trader, described the situation as provocative, adding that it was painful and annoying.
How can a governor we voted into power turn back to hunt us by bringing soldiers to tame us,” he said.
Olu Omotayo, a human rights lawyer, said the presence of soldiers in all parts of Enugu was an infringement on the fundamental rights of the people to moving around.
He faulted Gov. Peter Mbah’s approach to recent protest by traders at Ogbete Market over governments sealing of their shops.
“The governor’s approach to the protest where some persons lost their lives and others injured, was very wrong.
“Instead of sympathising with the families of those who lost their lives and dialoguing with the traders, he now brought soldiers on the streets to create fear and intimidations.
“The militarisation of Enugu is uncalled for and very wrong,” Omotayo said.
The rights activist said the people, after voting Mbah were expecting something better from him than what they getting now.
Meanwhile, the Governorship candidate of Labour Party in the state, Barr Chijioke Edeoga’ has commiserated with the victims of the Ogbete protest where one person was shot dead and several others injured.
Edeoga said it was the fundamental rights of citizens to protest.
He said: “I have just been notified of the death of a trader, protesting the sealing of his shop in Enugu metropolis.
“This is sad, unfortunate and avoidable. Human life is sacred and must be treated as such. I call on the security agencies to engage the protesters in a more civil manner.
“To avoid breakdown of law and order in our dear state, legitimate protest is the right of every citizen as enshrined in our constitution.”
