By Sandra Kenneth
Commercial activities came to a complete standstill at the busy Choba Junction in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State today, following a mandatory three-day shutdown ordered by a powerful local politician to mark the burial of his mother.
A visit to the area revealed that daily markets, eateries, motor parks, and retail shops were locked, effectively paralyzing economic life in the community. The total closure is slated to remain in effect throughout the three days of preparation and final burial rites.
Affected business owners and residents expressed severe frustration over the directive, questioning why an entire commercial hub should be disrupted for a private family event. Speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, traders highlighted the immediate hardship the mandate has inflicted on their households, noting that daily wage earners are being pushed toward hunger and students face restricted movement.
Struggling business operators are now making an urgent appeal to the Rivers State Government and the Obio/Akpor Local Government leadership to step in, countermand the directive, and restore normal public and commercial activity in the interest of public welfare.
