The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on residents to set aside their plans for protest and instead join in a day of celebration on August 1. Speaking to journalists after the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Wike emphasized that the day should be marked with jubilation, not demonstrations.
Addressing the planned #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest slated for the same day, Wike stated, “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.”
The Minister stressed that the administration is committed to maintaining peace and advancing progress in the FCT. “We will not allow anybody to disrupt peace and set us back. For those who want to protest on August 1 or thereabout, FCT is not available for such protest,” he asserted.
Wike highlighted that August 1 has been designated for a significant ceremony: traditional rulers in the territory will receive their certificates of recognition from the Area Councils’ Chairmen. “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 explained.
He urged residents to come out and celebrate the achievements of the current administration and honor their traditional rulers. “We will not allow that day that FCT has set aside to honor their traditional rulers; for their people to rejoice, and then somebody will come and disrupt that day. We will not allow it,” Wike declared.
In his closing remarks, Wike reiterated the administration’s stance: “That day is not available for those who want to protest, and FCT is not available for the protesters.”
As the FCT prepares for this day of recognition and celebration, the Minister’s message is clear: August 1 is a day to honor tradition and progress, not to engage in demonstrations.
PIONEER NEWS 