Security Operatives Restrict Movement As President Tinubu Visits Imo State
A contingent of security operatives have cordoned off major and vital routes in Owerri, Imo State, in preparation for President Bola Tinubu’s arrival.
The President is scheduled to make a one-day working visit to commission projects executed by the state government under Senator Hope Uzodimma’s leadership.
Residents awoke to find several police officers stationed at various locations, causing motorists to take detours.
Commercial vehicle drivers were forced to change routes or offload their passengers, who had to proceed on foot.
The police cordoned off the entire stretch of Wetheral Road in Owerri, a major motorway leading to Douglas House, the state’s seat of power.
Motorists were barred from driving towards the Ezeimo Palace located at Mbari Street, forcing some to park or reverse.
Johnson Chikezie, a journalist, recounted parking at Odu-Obi Crescent due to the traffic gridlock caused by the security operatives’ actions.
He chose to disregard a female Point-of-Sales operator’s request to re-park and instead trekked to different parts of the town to assess the situation.
A trader, Mrs. Unachukwu, expressed regret over the movement restrictions due to the President’s visit.
She also expressed disgust that the government shut down eight markets in the Owerri metropolis for the visit.
“Must their business stop our own business?” she asked, adding, “Must I be forced to welcome President Tinubu? They said traders should troop out en masse to accord him a rousing welcome. For what?”
Meanwhile, there have been light showers since dawn which may impede the movement of supporters of the governing All Progressives Congress APC to the reception ground to welcome the president.
