FCT Not Available For Protesters On August 1 – Wike

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has stated that FCT will not be available to protesters on August 1, 2024.

Wike issued the warning while briefing journalists on the conclusion of the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday, July 25.

He stated that August 1 had been designated as the day on which the Chairmen of the FCT’s six Area Councils would present certificates of recognition to traditional rulers.

“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,” he said.

“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 stated that the security council was aware of the protest’s threat, which some may refer to as “ending bad governance.”

Noting people’s freedom to protest or demonstrate, the minister stated that such rights must be exercised within the scope of the law.

“This period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively to salvage our country,” he said.

“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,” Mr Wike said.

The minister, who expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to address the situation, encouraged all Nigerians to be patient.

“For instance in FCT, we have seen the changes in FCT; we have seen that the government is working.

“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 emphasised.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli