Protesters block east-west road in Rivers

Protesters in Rivers barricaded the Eleme-Onne section of the east-west road on Monday as a nationwide protest against economic hardship continues. 

Nigerians have taken to the streets of major cities since August 1 to rail against bad governance.

The demonstrations have been themed: ’10 Days of Rage’.

The protesters are demanding a lean government, a return of the petrol subsidy regime, food security, and fiscal discipline among others.

NAN reports that protesters blocked the Akpajo axis of the east-west road, a major route linking Port Harcourt to key business hubs, including Onne seaport and Indorama petrochemicals — a move that disrupted vehicular movement.

The protesters, who demonstrated peacefully, waved placards with varying inscriptions.

Walson Idah said they targeted the east-west road to vent their frustration “over hunger, poverty and infrastructure deficit”.

“We need the government to revive the refineries, which have so much employment and empowerment opportunities for us,” NAN quoted Idah as saying.

“In spite of the huge economic potentials in the business area, we are unemployed, hungry and poor. We are not taking any palliatives from politicians.

“We need jobs, good roads, affordable electricity, and basic infrastructure.”

The protesters asked the federal government to address the skyrocketing cost of living and hold state governors accountable for the alleged mismanagement of fuel subsidy funds.