August 1 Is To Honour Abuja Traditional Rulers, So No Protest Is Allowed Here – Wike Tells Protestant

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has asked residents of the FCT not to protest on August 1 but rather troop out for celebration.

The Minister said this while briefing journalists after the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

He said this in reference to the planned August 1 protest tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.

“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,” he said.

“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.

He opined that rather than the scheduled protest, traditional rulers in the territory would receive their certificate of recognition from the Area Councils Chairman of August 1.

Wike therefore said FCT would not be available for protesters on August 1 as the date had been set aside for the Chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT to give out certificates of recognition to their 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.

“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.