Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he will not permit the planned #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protest in Abuja.
Nigerian youths have insisted on going ahead with the nationwide protest on August 1, to express dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, insecurity, unemployment among others.
But during a media briefing in his office in Abuja on Thursday, following a security council meeting with heads of security agencies and Area Council Chairmen of the FCT, Wike said the day has been slated to present certificates to traditional rulers in the six area councils of the FCT.
The FCT minister added that while he is aware of the prevalent hunger, President Bola Tinubu is working to address the various challenges facing the country.
The former Rivers State governor admitted that while Nigerians have the right to protest, it must be done within the ambit of the law.
“Unfortunately, though, that is a day FCT has set aside. The entire Area Councils will be jubilating to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers. So, we will not allow that day that the entire FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers for the people to come and rejoice, and then somebody would say that he wants to disrupt us that day”, Wike said.
He also called for patience among citizens, noting the changes in the FCT since the administration came on.
“Mr President has given the FCT so much support, that is why all of us can attest to the fact that there are a lot of changes going on in the FCT, and therefore we will not allow anybody to set us back, as we are looking forward to make 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 anybody to disrupt the peace and set us back. For those who want to protest on the first of August or thereabouts, FCT is not available for such protest.
“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 FCT is not available for the protesters.”
