The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that the FCT is not available for protests.
Wike said this in a press briefing, speaking on the outcome of the FCT Security Council meeting, he explained that August 1 has already been mapped out as a day to award certificates of recognition to traditional rulers in the capital.
“That is the day FCT has set aside for the entire area councils to jubilate, to give out certificates of recognition for their traditional rulers.
“We will not allow that day that FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers; for their people to rejoice, and then somebody will come and disrupt that day. We will not allow it.
“We want people to come out and celebrate, as part of the achievement of the current administration.
“That day is not available for those who want to protest and FCT is not available for the protesters,” he said.
According to him, the right to protest is recognized but must be carried out within the ambit of the law.
He added that President Bola Tinubu is aware of the problems bedeviling the nation and working hard to address the issues, insisting that the current hunger and suffering is a temporary reality.
The minister emphasized that the so-called protest is being instigated by political opponents bent on destabilizing the current administration.
“Those asking you to protest are lying to you. It is not for the interest of Nigeria and it is not for your interest.
“Don’t be angry and don’t join the protest, because protest will not solve the problem.
“The government is aware of the hunger and that is why it is working hard to find a lasting solution to the problem.
“I know that hunger makes people lose patience. Please be patient. That is all I am asking. This hunger will reduce very soon,” he said.
Wike urged all concerned Nigerians to exercise patience and join hands in salvaging the current crisis in the nation.
““I am aware that there are challenges, but President Bola Tinubu and his team are working right now to ensure that these challenges, these problems facing our country are addressed.
“We know that it is a very difficult period for citizens; Tinubu has come out clearly to say that there are challenges; there are problems, but these challenges and problems will be tackled.
“For instance in FCT, we have seen the changes in FCT; we have seen that the government is working. Tinubu is giving FCT so much support that all of us can attest to the fact that there are a lot of changes going on in FCT. Therefore, we will not allow anybody to set us back. 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 in the world. So, we will not allow anybody to disrupt peace and set us back. For those who want to protest on August 1 or thereabout, FCT is not available for such protest,” he emphasised.
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