Following the proposed August 1 nationwide protest, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Thursday, July 25, said the administration will not allow protests in the nation’s capital.
The minister said this while briefing reporters after an emergency security meeting, with security chiefs in FCT.
He said August 1 has been set aside to present certificates of recognition to traditional rulers of the six Area Councils in FCT.
Wike said: “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 the Security Council was aware of the threat of the protest and what some people may call “end bad governance.”
While acknowledging that people have the right to protest or demonstrate, Wike said such rights must be done within the ambit of the law.
The minister said: “This period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively to salvage our country.
“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”.
The minister expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s capacity to address the present challenge and urged all Nigerians to be patient.
He said: “For instance in FCT, we have seen the changes in FCT; we have seen that the government is working.
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“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 Aug 1, or thereabout, FCT is not available for such protest.”
Wike had earlier met residents of Abuja and advised them to remain calm and shun the proposed protest, adding that Tinubu is working hard to address issues.