Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has appealed to Nigerian youths to embrace dialogue and refrain from the panned nationwide protest.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HEREâ–¶ ... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HEREâ–¶
The Minister made this known during a town hall meeting with youth stakeholders in Bwari Area Council of the FCT on Monday, July 29, 2024.
Wike had earlier demanded that the youths pay rent, security and utility fees before they could be granted access to the Eagle Square for their protest, stating that there would be no protest in the Capital.
He has since made a U-turn and called on the area council chairmen, traditional rulers, religious bodies, and representatives of women and youth groups present at the meeting not to join the planned #EndBadGovernance protest against hunger and economic hardship.
The former Rivers state governor assured residents that things would get better soon and that President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of a youth secretariat in the FCT Administration (FCTA) and police stations in each area council.
On Saturday, July 27, Wike had held meetings with religious, traditional, women and youth leaders, as well as youths from Abuja South Federal Constituency, in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
According to Wike, there is no need for the protest because Tinubu’s administration is barely one year in office and not enough time to assess its performance.
“It is not fair to say we have not done anything on insecurity when we have improved security in FCT. “We want peace in FCT and so, we cannot fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed in the guise of protest.”
The nationwide protest is scheduled to be held from August 1-10 with a heavy presence of police and military personnel.
