By Fatima Saka
Abuja — Civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday expressed anger and frustration over widespread road blockages caused by Steered protests by activist Omoyele Sowore, calling the disruption “uncalled for” and a threat to lives and property.
The proposed demonstration, which focused on demanding the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, brought parts of Abuja traffic to a standstill as 
protesters blocked key routes. Although organisers insisted the protest was peaceful, workers attempting to reach offices in the Central Area, Berger Junction, Federal Secretariat and Area 1 were trapped for hours.
Speaking to reporters, affected civil servants condemned the protest strategy, arguing it jeopardised innocent Nigerians who were simply going about their daily activities.
“You may be right, but when you follow the wrong approach, people will see you as wrong,” a visibly upset civil servant said.
“Please, we should do things the right way. Stop risking the lives and property of people. This same people you claim to be fighting for are the ones suffering.”
Another respondent who identified himself as Chukwuemeka Uremijus said the protest was a necessary call for justice, accusing the Federal Government of ignoring repeated court rulings ordering Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
“How many times has the court said release this man? What kind of process again do they want?” he said.
“If the President cannot obey court orders, why do we have courts? Why do we have judges?”
However, others insisted that while the call for Kanu’s release was legitimate, blocking highways was not the solution.
“Protest is a civil right, but it must be peaceful,” said another civil servant.
“Sowore has raised an important issue, I agree. But blocking Abuja roads and stopping workers from going to their offices is wrong. There must be law and order.”
Some protesters accused Igbo political leaders of failing to push strongly for Kanu’s release, suggesting a lack of unity among the South-East elite.
“Some elders support his release only on paper,” one protester said.
“If they are serious, let them go to the President together and demand his release. Enough of statements; we want action.”
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Meanwhile, security operatives monitored the protest, preventing attempts to move towards key government institutions. No major violence was recorded as at the time of filing this report, though tensions remained high.
Despite the growing anger among civil servants, organisers vowed the protest would continue until Nnamdi Kanu is released.
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