By Ita Williams, Calabar
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Calabar, Cross River state on August 1, was scanty as most streets in Calabar were empty while the banks and few other businesses remained closed. But the city of Calabar, remained generally peaceful on the first day of the nationwide protest.
However the arrest of the CrossRiverWatch Managing Editor, Jonathan Ugbal with few others by the police and later released almost marred the peace of the city but nerves were calmed.
They were arrested by a team of Policemen from the state command who were on ground to maintain law and order.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, Publisher of CrossRiverWatch, Comrade Agba Jalingo and the Principal Counsel of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), Barr James Ibor, confirmed their release.
Commenting, Comrade Jalingo condemned the arrest saying, they were arrested and taken to the state Police CID and hey realised that they cannot stop those protesting hence the arrest.
“I have been protesting for over 20 years and I have never at any point in time experienced violence…. The police should just stop, what are they scared of? It is not my job to stop violence, we expect them to do their job and not expect us to…. The earlier they get that into their brains, the better for them”.
On whether the protest was a success in Calabar, Jalingo who is a regular guest of the police due to his activism and reports as a journalist, said “it is too early to give my verdict on the protest … I will be able to do so later but so far, it is a good thing that people defied the order of the government.
“Let me also recognise the fact that James Ibor, our man who went to the police station, has given credit to the Commissioner of Police and DSS Director, that they were cautious and I compliment them for that. But they should stop harassing us”
Barr Ibor a human rights activist, said “they have been released but the arrest and torture of the activists and journalists were condemnable and reprehensible”.
The PPRO, SP Ugbo was reported to have said that the protest was not a peaceful protest and that the command was not informed of any protest.
Ugbo said “it was not a peaceful protest. As they gathered, before we knew it, they started recruiting people walking on the street to join them and started causing problem that’s why we arrested them”
At the Bayside area of Calabar, known to be a trouble zone in terms of insecurity, residents were observed going about their business activities as early as 8 am, without participating in any protest-related activities. The Watt Market, which typically opens between 7:30 am and 8 am every day, remained closed.
In the commercial nerve centre of Calabar, at the popular roundabout, there was no protest carried out there. Instead, people were seen discussing in small groups.
Calabar Road, one of the main roads the city, was also generally peaceful, with no signs of any protest.
When our reporter spoke to some individuals, they expressed their unwillingness to take part in the protest, citing the events of the 2020 #EndSARS protest, which resulted in the destruction of lives and properties.
“I don’t want to take part in any protest because of what happened during the #EndSARS protest in 2020. I lost my business, and I don’t want to go through that again,” said Stephen Omini, a local businessman.
Similarly, Mary Nkanchor, a resident of the Watt Market area, said, “I have a family to feed, and I can’t afford to lose my livelihood. The last protest caused a lot of damage, and I don’t want to be a part of it this time.”
Fatima Usman, a trader from the Bokobri, Hausa community, Calabar South, expressed her concern about the potential for violence, stating, “I understand the need for change, but I don’t think a protest is the way to go. We’ve seen how things can spiral out of control, and I don’t want to be caught in the crossfire.”
On the other hand, some residents were more sympathetic to the cause but still hesitant to participate.
“I agree with the demands of the protesters, but I’m afraid of the consequences. I have too much to lose, and I can’t risk my family’s safety,” said Chinedu Nwoke, a local trader.
Helen Nkanta, a student, said, “I want to support the protest, but my parents are adamant that I stay away. They’re worried about my safety, and I don’t want to disobey them.”
Friday Ibor, a community leader, expressed disappointment at the lack of participation, saying, “It’s disappointing to see that people are so afraid to stand up for their rights. We need to show the government that we won’t back down, but I understand the concerns of the residents.”
Despite the concerns, some individuals remained determined to participate in the protest.
“I’m going to be there, no matter what. This is our chance to make a difference, and I’m not going to let fear hold me back,” said Ubi Onoh, a local activist.
Ben Ikpi, a university student, kicked against the attitude of Nigerians in fighting for our rights, stating, “I know it’s risky, but I believe in the cause. We have to be willing to take a stand, even if it means putting ourselves on the line. Nigerian government have taken us granted for so long, I will rather decide on taking part in the protest if other people come out” .
“For me as the days of this protest continue, it remains to be seen whether more residents of Calabar will overcome their fears and join the nationwide movement for change, I will definitely join the trend if I see any action any day” Said by a source who prefer his name not be mentioned.
“There was partiality among them as they passed around the rice, and I was amazed to hear that even garri and beans were offered, Sadly, the vast majority of people never witness these acts of sharing firsthand, as they did it in groups and in secret. It’s perplexing why the authorities would discourage protesting, I strongly believe that one day the government’s deceitful control over the people will crumble. As an elderly woman, I speak earnestly and stand by my words,” expressed Madam Magdalena Ugbo, her voice trembling with tears, as she spoke.
