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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Commercial activities were grounded on Saturday in Deidei, Abuja, as the popular building materials market and the bustling food market popularly known as the “Tomatoes Market” were shut to enable residents participate in the FCT Area Council elections.
When our correspondent visited the area, major shops and stalls within the markets were under lock and key, with traders complying with directives to suspend business for the duration of the polls.
The usually busy building materials market, known for heavy vehicular movement and large-scale trading activities, wore a deserted look, while the food market, famous for bulk tomato and perishable goods sales, was equally closed.
Some traders said the decision was necessary to encourage civic participation.
“We have to close so that people can go and vote. It is important because these are the leaders that will govern at the grassroots,” one trader said.
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Residents in the area were seen heading to various polling units across the community, while security personnel maintained patrols to ensure order.
The shutdown, though affecting daily earnings for traders, was largely described as a sacrifice for democracy at the grassroots level.
As at the time of filing this report, voting was ongoing peacefully across polling units within the Deidei axis, with security presence visible and electoral officials on ground.
