Delayed election results, violence stall business activities
By Oghale Mafuru
Palpable anxiety and silence sweep the hitherto busy streets and major retail outlets in Lagos State following reports of unrest as Nigerians await the outcome of the Presidential elections that were held a few days ago.
This has further heightened fears of violence following the declaration of the results at the various polling units in the state.
MARKETING EDGE intelligence report revealed that major markets and commercial centers in parts of Lagos metropolis were void of the usual activities that accompany these locations.
At the popular Computer Village in Ikeja, home of ICT (information and communications technology) accessories, it was observed that most of the shops were locked while a few shop owners seen around expressed worry over the state of things in the country in the wake of the elections.
One of the shop owners who spoke on anonymity revealed that anxiety is growing within the market as news of unrest in other parts of Lagos makes the rounds.
“We are afraid we might be attacked. We are hearing news of thugs destroying markets around. We are just here to see if we can make some sales today but the buyers are not coming. Some of our people are leaving now,” he said.
Lasisi Tajudeen, a computer technician and vendor speaking to MARKETING EDGE, said: “We heard that they were burning somewhere at Ladipo spare part market and you know that our market is also an Igbo market. So, some of us were panicking. We needed to close as early as possible. In my shop, we closed around 1:30pm when we heard the news, so we had to leave on time. If they want to attack us in Computer Village. Actually, we have not had any issues since I entered that market, I have not heard of anything like fighting or any issues. They don’t usually fight here.”
Other popular markets in Lagos like Katangwa and Ile-Epo markets that used to be a beehive of activities on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays witnessed a low turnout of buyers and sellers yesterday as they were unsure of their security. The market was attacked by thugs some weeks ago during the campaign season.
Pockets of violence were reported in different parts of Lagos State on the day of the election as thugs were said to have intimidated voters as well as snatched ballot boxes in the various polling units. Other areas such as Mafoluku, Amuwo Odofin, Oshodi, Surulere, Ijaiye, Ijaniki, Lagos State University (LASU) Iba, Iyana Shashi, Ikorodu, Fadeyi, Ojota, Ogombo, Badagry, Sangotedo, and Lekki witnessed pockets of violence. While voting was disrupted in some polling units, voters were prevented from exercising their civic responsibilities in other locations.
It is four days after the elections, which was held on the 25th of February and the Independent National Electoral Commission has not declared the winner of the Presidential polls. This has aggravated the tension and anxiety among Nigerians.
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