Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, announced the ban on protests in the nation’s capital, News About Nigeria reports.
According to the Minister, the FCT administration will not allow protesters to hold the planned #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria nationwide protests scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024, in FCT because the day has been slated for the presentation of certificates to traditional rulers in the six area councils of the FCT.
Wike said this on Thursday during a media briefing in his office in Abuja after a meeting with heads of security agencies and Area Council Chairmen of the FCT.
He said, “We are all aware of the threat as regards what some people may call #Endbadgovernance protest. We believe that yes, we have the right to protest; we have the right to demonstrate, but all these have to come within the ambit of the law. This period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively to salvage our country. I’m aware that there are challenges, and Mr. President and his team are working very hard to make sure that those challenges, those problems facing our country are being solved. We know that it is a very difficult period for citizens.
“Unfortunately, though, that is a day FCT has set aside. The entire area council will be jubilating to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers. So, we will not allow that day that the entire FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers for the people to come and rejoice, and then somebody would say that he wants to disrupt us that day.”
While acknowledging the current hardship in the country, the Minister tasked Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as they are working tirelessly towards delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
