Businesses have remained closed in parts of Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor local government areas of Rivers State, despite the lifting of a 24-hour curfew by Governor Nyesom Wike.
Wike had last Monday ordered a 24-hour curfew on Education Bus-Stop to Agip Junction, along Ikwerre Road in Port Harcourt City and Obiri Ikwerre Fly-Over, Ozuoba, Rumualogu and Choba communities in Obio/Akpor local government area, but lifted the curfew last Thursday.
When Weekend Economy visited some of the affected areas yesterday, it observed that commercial vehicles are in full operation but businesses and shops are under lock and key.
It was also observed that businesses mostly affected are those located along the Ikwerre Road, Tam David-West Boulevard and Mgbuoba-Choba Road, businesses and shops located on adjourning street were open and operational.
An Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and soldiers from the 6 Division, Nigerian Army were still seen stationed at main entrance of the Rumuwoji (Mile One) Market, along Ikwerre Road.
Speaking to Weekend Economy, a business owner at Education Bus-Stop, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said most business owners were afraid of opening for fear of being harassed by the Police.
He said: “Yes, we heard that the governor has lifted the curfew but we are afraid of opening for business because of fear of Police harassment. Our experiences in the past three days are not something I wish for even my enemy.”
