Wike fingers senator as sponsor of hardship protests in FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has stated that security agencies have identified a senator as one of those sponsoring the anti-government protests.

Wike made this revelation shortly after an emergency FCT Security Council meeting on Thursday night in Abuja.

He explained that it was discovered that the senator had contacted some security operatives to escort a truckload of food intended for the protesters.

He mentioned that, in due time, the relevant agencies would invite the senator for questioning.

The minister, while acknowledging that protests are permitted in a democracy, emphasized that the protesters have a duty to respect the court order limiting their activities to the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

He stated, “We have previously communicated that we will continue to brief the press as we monitor the protests of those claiming to protest against bad governance and hunger in the country.

“We believe that this is a democratic government, and as such, we must act according to the rule of law. We also believe that protesting is their right so that the government can address the issues raised. Obeying the rule of law means adhering to court orders.

“We are doing a great deal to improve the lives of the people.

“You are aware of the court order issued yesterday. The court did not prohibit protests; it merely restricted them to the National Stadium.

“We made it clear that one of the reasons we appealed against the protests was our belief that some miscreants would hijack the process and cause destruction of property within the FCT. Look at the violence in some states today; lives were lost. If such an incident were to occur in the FCT, what do you think people would say? Consider that we have the international community conducting their business here.

“You saw what happened today when some individuals attempted to move into Eagle Square. Although the miscreants did not succeed, we have intelligence indicating they plan to come out tomorrow to cause destruction that could lead to loss of life. The security agencies will not allow that. I urge every protester to go to the MKO Abiola Stadium and conduct your protest there. That is what the court ordered.

“Furthermore, we have intelligence that a senator invited some security agencies to escort individuals delivering food to the protesters. This constitutes sponsorship—a senator providing food for protesters. At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the senator to inquire about sponsoring such actions against the government,” he added.