The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced that the planned nationwide hardship protest on August 1, 2024, will not happen in Abuja.
Beyond Boders reports that this date is reserved to honour FCT traditional rulers.
Wike shared this news on Thursday during a press briefing after the FCT Security Council meeting, which included the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure, the FCTA management team, Area Council chairmen, and security agency heads in the FCT.
Earlier, Wike inspected a road project in Saburi, near the Dei-Dei community of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
He told residents not to join “armed robbers” in the protest, saying, “Do not go and follow these armed robbers on the road who said they want to protest. There is nothing like protests. Abuja will not be part of it. What you want is good governance and we are willing to give you good governance,” he said in Pidgin English.
After the meeting with security agency heads, Wike stated they are aware of the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest. He acknowledged the right to protest, but emphasized it must be within the law.
He urged Nigerians to work together to improve the country and be patient as the government addresses challenges.
Wike noted President Bola Tinubu’s support for the FCT, leading to many positive changes, stating, “We will not allow anybody to disrupt the peace and set us back.”
He reiterated that August 1 is a special day for FCT, as all six Area Councils will celebrate and give certificates of honour to their traditional rulers.
Wike invited residents to join the celebrations and stated that August 1 is not available for protests.
