Some residents in Rivers State defied the government’s no-movement order on Saturday during the local government elections, citing economic hardship as the reason.
The state government had earlier announced a 12-hour restriction of movement across all 23 local government areas to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls for chairmanship and councillorship positions.
Despite this directive, several shops and roadside stalls in the Obio/Akpor area were open, with traders attending to customers while voting was ongoing.
A provision store owner, Mr. Chinedu Okoro, explained that financial pressure compelled him to open for business. “I have three children and a sick mother to care for. If I don’t sell today, my family won’t eat,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs. Comfort Brown, who runs a food stall, noted that she could not afford to let her perishable goods spoil. “I bought vegetables and meat yesterday before hearing of the restriction. If I don’t cook and sell, everything will go to waste,” she stated.
Another trader, identified simply as Miss Blessing, a fruit seller, also opened her stall, saying it was better to earn something than remain idle at home without electricity.
“I am not here to cause trouble, only to sell and make a little income,” she added.
The election exercise continued across the state, though some reports indicated voter turnout was affected by the restrictions and late arrival of materials at polling units.
