Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the planned nationwide hardship protest against the present administration scheduled for August 1, 2024, will not be allowed to take place in the FCT. He cited that this date has been designated to honor FCT traditional rulers. This announcement came during a press briefing after the FCT Security Council meeting, which included the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure, members of the FCTA management team, Area Council chairmen, and heads of security agencies based in the FCT.
Earlier in the day, Wike inspected a road project in Saburi, along the Dei-Dei community of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). There, he addressed the residents, urging them not to join what he referred to as ‘armed robbers’ in protesting. Speaking in Pidgin English, he said, “Do not go and follow these armed robbers on the road who said they want to protest. There is nothing like protests. Abuja will not be part of it. What you want is good governance, and we are willing to give you good governance.”
After the security council meeting, Wike reiterated the FCT’s stance on the planned protest. He acknowledged the citizens’ right to protest and demonstrate but stressed that these activities must be conducted within the bounds of the law. He emphasized the collective responsibility of Nigerians to work together to improve the country during these challenging times.
Wike noted the current difficulties facing citizens and assured them that President Bola Tinubu and his administration are working diligently to address these issues. He urged Nigerians to remain patient, expressing confidence that the country would eventually overcome its economic challenges. He pointed to visible changes and progress within the FCT as evidence of the government’s efforts.
Highlighting the support from President Tinubu, Wike stated that significant changes are occurring in the FCT, and the administration will not allow any disruptions to this progress. He stressed that August 1, 2024, has been set aside to recognize and honor traditional rulers in the FCT, and the entire Area Councils will be participating in ceremonies to issue certificates of recognition to these leaders.
“We are looking forward to making sure that we take FCT to where it is 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 and set us back,” Wike stated.
The minister invited FCT residents to join in the celebrations, emphasizing that the achievements of the FCT Administration should be recognized and celebrated. He made it clear that August 1 is a day for honoring traditional rulers, and any attempt to disrupt these activities with protests will not be tolerated. Wike concluded by reaffirming the FCT’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, ensuring that the scheduled activities to honor traditional rulers proceed without interference.
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