Seme Border

Commercial activities remained low at Seme border on Saturday following the reopening of Nigeria-Benin Republic border after last minute postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The Federal Government had ordered the closure of all Nigerian land borders with effect from Friday Feb. 15 from 12:00 noon to 12.00 noon of Sunday, Feb. 17.

Though Seme border was reopened early Saturday following the election postponement to Feb. 23, commercial activities was scanty as many traders and licensed clearing agents did not show up.

Mr Jacob Uchenna, a customs agent, told NAN that he was in Seme to find out if the border would be reopened.

“It is so unfortunate that INEC decided to postpone the election without considering the economic implications on Nigerians. It is only on Saturdays that business used to boom here at Seme but look at what is happening now. Marketers did not come, even those that are around are not selling because people didn’t show up for business,” he said.

Human and vehicular movement across the border took place without any hindrance while customs and immigration officials thoroughly checked few vehicles passing through the area.

The situation remained the same at Badagry Market, where few traders who displayed their goods were patronised by a few.

Mrs Iyabode Joseph, a food vendor in the market, lamented that sales was too dull because many refused to leave their homes.

Meanwhile, some residents of the coastal city of Badagry had reacted to the postponement of the election, describing it as unfortunate.

Mr Dosu Avoseh said, “This postponement will cause a lot of hardship on citizens. It doesn’t say well of INEC and raised doubts on its ability and readiness to conduct free and fair elections”.

“Many people have had programs planned for next weekend that will now have to be cancelled. Businesses will suffer, people who traveled this weekend will loose income and may end up not voting next weekend because they won’t be able to afford to travel back”.

“The negative ripple effect of the postponement is frightening so much so that it’s hard to appreciate the need for the postponement in the first place”.

Also speaking, Mr Victor Akinseye, said the commission had reasons for postponing the elections.

“I think INEC would not have deliberately done that if it is not worth it, however, the short notice was the problem. It does not portray the country a serious nation to foreigners, particularly the International Observers. It also portrays the nation a wasteful country,” he said. (NAN)