OSAS EMMANUEL
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that any form of anti-government protest will not be allowed in the FCT.
This is as he called on residents of the Federal Capital Territory to shun the planned nationwide protest in the nation’s capital.
Addressing journalists yesterday, shortly after the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja, Wike acknowledged that Nigerians in the FCT have the right to protest as enshrined by the law, however, said that the August 1st, 2024 date of 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 of the FCT.
He said the date is slated for the celebration of the traditional institution in the FCT and not for anti-government protests.
According to the FCT Minister, “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”.
Barrister Wike also stated that anti-government protests were 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 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 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 said instead of protesting, Nigerians should work collectively with the government to salvage the challenging situation in the country.
He said President Bola Ahmed 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.
Earlier, while inspecting the ongoing construction of the 5km access road from the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) to the old Keffi road, also known as Saburi Road, in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Wike cautioned residents of the FCT against joining such demonstration.
Wike, who spoke in pidgin English while interacting with residents of Saburi, said those behind the protests were only working for their selfish political interests, adding that the problems in the country could not be solved by acts of protests.
He empathized with FCT residents over the economic difficulties in the country and reassured that the government was sincere, committed, and working round the clock to provide the needed succor.
The Minister also expressed confidence in the ability of the Bola Government to bring about the desired change in the country, stressing that the difficulties occasioned by the economic reforms were temporary and would soon be a thing of the past and sued for patience among FCT residents.
“I know say so many things don spoil before now, no bi so? And when everything spoil like that , e no go just be overnight you go do everything well again, no bi am? e go take small small. I know say as all of us dey here, you expect say as this government come, every problem e go solve am within one day, is it possible?
“What is giving people hope be say as we come we say we go do this road and we start to do it. Which means in the future things go better. If you know how bad things dey for this country before now..so make una have patient and see wetin go happen, see weda things no go better. That is the promise.
“Don’t go and follow these armed robbers on the road who said they want to protest. There is nothing like protests. Abuja won’t be part of it. What you want is good governance, and we are willing to give you good governance”, the minister assured
Speaking on the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government in the FCT, the Minister said hope was gradually being restored in the FCT with the accelerated provision of vital infrastructure, which has helped to improve the lives of the people.
