Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike has warned against any form of anti-government protesta in the nation’s capital coty.
Wike gave the warning in Abuja on Thursday, shortly after the FCT Security Council meeting, attended by the heads of various security agencies and the six chairmen of the six area council of the FCT.
The minister, who acknowledged that Nigerians in the FCT have the right to protest as enshrined by the law, however said the August 1, 2024, date of the planned nationwide protests, coincides with the date for the proposed presentation of certificates of recognition to traditional rulers in all the area councils of the FCT.
Wike, who noted that the date is slated for the celebration of the traditional institution in the FCT and not for anti-government protests, said “for those who want to protest on the 1st of August or thereabout, the FCT is not available for such protests.
“That is the day the FCT has set aside for the entire area councils jubilating to give out certificate of recognition to all their traditional rulers.
“So, we will not allow the day that the FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers, for their people to come and rejoice, and then somebody will say that he wants to disrupt that day. We will not allow it.
“So, we want to make it categorically clear that that day is a day that the entire six Area Councils would be meeting to recognise and give out certificate of honour to their traditional rulers.
“So, we also invite our people to come and join us that day in celebrating. It is part of the achievements of the administration. So, let the whole world hear us and hear us very well that that day is not available for those who want to protest and the FCT is not available for the protesters.”
The minister also stated that anti-government protests is uncalled for, in view of the enormous support that the FCT has received from the federal government, which is reflected in the accelerated provision of infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
He said the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, will therefore not allow any form of demonstration that will disrupt the developmental trajectory of the FCT.
According to him, “For us as FCT, we have seen the changes in FCT. We have seen that government is working. Mr. President has given the FCT so much support that all of us can attest to.
“Therefore, we will not allow anybody to set us back. We are looking forward to making sure that we take the FCT to where it’s supposed to be as one of the major cities, not only in Africa but also in the world.
“So, we will not allow anybody to disrupt the peace or set us back.”
The minister observed that rather than protesting, Nigerians should work collectively with the government to salvage the challenging situation in the country.
Meanwhile, the director of Press on the Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye informed that the minister however disclosed that President Tinubu has acknowledged the difficult challenges that the country is facing and is committed to addressing them, even as he called for patience among Nigerians.
