The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, announced that security agencies have identified a Senator who allegedly sponsored protests in the nation’s capital. Wike disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja following a security council meeting.
While the minister did not disclose the identity of the senator, he alleged that the lawmaker provided food for the protesters.
“That is sponsorship. A senator providing food for protesters. At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day,” Wike stated.
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He further cautioned protesters in the nation’s capital to obey the court order and stick to the MKO Abiola Stadium for their demonstrations.
According to the minister, security agencies received an intelligence report indicating that some individuals were planning to hijack the peaceful protest, which is why they want protesters confined to one location.
Wike also emphasized that he was not against the protest itself but insisted that all demonstrations should be conducted in accordance with the law. “I was never against the protest, but it must be done according to the law,” he said.
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Earlier, the minister commended the protesters in the nation’s capital for shunning violence and choosing peace. He reiterated the Federal Government’s readiness to dialogue with the protesters, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is taking necessary measures to alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerians.
Wike’s remarks underscore the government’s concern about the potential for protests to escalate and the importance of maintaining order.
He assured that the authorities are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to engage with protest leaders to ensure that their grievances are heard and addressed in a lawful and constructive manner.
