On Monday, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, experienced a noticeable increase in vehicular movements, signaling a gradual return to normalcy on the fifth day of nationwide protests.
However, government offices, particularly at the Federal Secretariat Complex, remained largely deserted, with only a few staff members present.
Despite the uptick in traffic, petty traders who depend on government workers for patronage faced slow business as most offices stayed empty.
The ongoing protests have disrupted daily life in the capital, leaving many residents grappling with the effects of the unrest.
The demonstrations, which have spread across cities nationwide, call for an end to hunger, soaring food prices, and poor governance.
Protesters are also demanding the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, among other issues.
Despite widespread public discontent, the government has yet to provide a satisfactory response to these demands.
President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation on Sunday in an attempt to quell the unrest.
However, his broadcast was met with criticism, deemed inadequate by protest organizers and several prominent figures.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), among others, expressed disappointment, stating that the President’s response fell short of expectations.
As the situation continues to evolve, protesters have vowed to maintain their presence until their demands are fully addressed. The atmosphere remains tense, with developments unfolding rapidly.
