Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to protesters against bad governance, urging them to heed court orders and maintain peaceful demonstrations at designated locations.
In a shocking revelation, Wike accused a senator of sponsoring the protests by providing food to the protesters.
“Now we also have intelligence that a senator had to invite some security agencies to lead some of them to go and provide food for the protesters. That is sponsorship. A senator providing food for protesters. At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day,” Wike said.
His comments came amid escalating violence along the Abuja-Keffi highway, where security forces struggled to control rampaging hoodlums. “We had said before now that we will continue to brief the press as we monitor the protest of people who say they are protesting against bad governance and hunger in the country,” Wike stated.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to democratic principles and the rule of law, acknowledging the protesters’ right to voice their grievances.
However, Wike expressed concern over the potential for violence and property destruction within the FCT. “We believe that this is a democratic government and so we must act according to the rule of law. We also believe that this protesting is their entitlement so that government can address the issues raised. Obeying the rule of law is obeying court orders,” he said.
Citing a recent court order that restricted protests to the National Stadium, Wike highlighted the risks posed by miscreants hijacking the protests. “We had come out to say clearly that one of the reasons we appealed against the protest was that we believe some miscreants will hijack the process and cause destruction of property within the FCT. See what happened in some of the states today. Now, look at the loss of lives. If such a thing happens in the FCT, what do you think people would say? Here we have the international community carrying out their businesses,” Wike warned.
The minister referenced the violence that erupted earlier in the day when hoodlums clashed with security forces along the Abuja-Keffi highway. Protesters, initially peaceful, turned violent, overwhelming security checkpoints, vandalizing public utilities, and looting shops. Reinforced security forces, led by the military, eventually managed to push the hoodlums back and reopen the highway, but not before significant damage was done.
“You saw what happened today where some people tried to move into the Eagle Square. Miscreants may not have succeeded in what they wanted to do but we have intelligence that they are coming out tomorrow to destroy property that will lead to loss of lives. The security agencies will not allow that. Every protester, please, go to the MKO Abiola stadium and do your protest. That is what the court said,” Wike urged.
As the situation remains tense, Wike’s call for peaceful and lawful protests aims to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all citizens in the FCT. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the protesters’ concerns while maintaining order and protecting public property.
