Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has warned that any form of anti-government protest will not be allowed in the FCT.
The Minister gave the warning today, July 25, shortly after the FCT Security Council Meeting, which was attended by the Heads of the various Security Agencies and the six Area Council Chairmen.
Wike acknowledged that Nigerians have the right to protest anywhere in the country, as enshrined in the law, but that the August 1st, 2024 for the planned anti-government protest coincides with the proposed date for the presentation of certificates of recognition to traditional rulers in all the Area Councils.
He said that the date is slated for the celebration of the traditional institution and not for anti-government protests.
“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 recognize 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.”
Wike said that anti-government protests are uncalled for in the FCT, 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 that the FCT Administration would therefore not allow any form of demonstration that will disrupt the developmental trajectory of the FCT.
“For us as FCT, we have seen the changes. 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 said that instead of protesting, Nigerians should work collectively with the government to salvage the challenging situation in the country.
He said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the difficult challenges that the country is facing and is committed to addressing them.
“This period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively in order to salvage our country. “I’m aware that there are challenges. Mr. President and his team are working hard right now to make sure that those challenges, those problems facing our country are being solved.
“We know that it is a very difficult period for the citizens. Mr. President has said clearly that there are challenges, there are problems, but those problems and challenges will be tackled and we believe in him.
“We urge Nigerians to also have patience, that at the end of the day, we will come out of these economic woes.”
