Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has expressed his concerns over the recent closure of Banex Plaza in Abuja.
This bustling business hub was shut down following a clash between military personnel and local traders last Saturday.
This unfortunate incident is a clear reflection of the escalating tension and intolerance in our society. The increasing frequency of such confrontations is a worrying sign of the stress our nation is under, due to economic difficulties, insecurity, and rampant poverty. Our security forces, like the rest of our citizens, are feeling the strain. Regardless of what sparked this particular conflict, resorting to vandalism and violence does not benefit either the civilians or the military.
Closing the business premises indefinitely is not a viable solution. It only exacerbates the current hardship for both the traders and the business owners, as well as the general public they serve. The economic impact of a prolonged closure of such a dynamic business area is significant, given the number of people whose livelihoods depend largely on the daily operations at the plaza.
It is crucial for both the government and military authorities to address the growing friction between civilians and security personnel and take necessary measures to resolve it. In every nation, the military is respected and loved by the people for their crucial role in maintaining peace and security. I wish the same for our beloved country.
I therefore urge for the immediate reopening of Banex Plaza to resume business activities. This should be followed by dialogue and initiatives to rebuild trust and prevent such incidents in the future.
