Wike, Govt Officials Lack Power to Stop Peaceful Protests – Amnesty I’national

Amnesty International has condemned recent statements made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), asserting that the FCT is not available for protesters.

In a statement on Friday, the human rights organization criticized Mr. Wike’s comments as “reckless and misguided.” The minister was quoted as saying, “FCT is not available for protesters.”

Amnesty International emphasized that peaceful assembly in the FCT is a fundamental human right that must be respected. The organization expressed serious concern over the increasing tendency of government officials to undermine the legitimacy of peaceful protests through veiled threats and misleading insinuations.

“We note with concern the recent disturbing trend of veiled threats laced with false insinuations aimed at delegitimizing peaceful protesters and protests. Harmful rhetoric from government officials must not be used to justify the violation of human rights,” Amnesty International stated.

In response to planned nationwide protests on August 1 addressing heightened economic challenges, Mr. Wike stated that the FCT is not available for protests because the same day has been designated to celebrate traditional rulers in the FCT.

“That day (August 1) is not available for those who want to protest, and the FCT is not available for the protesters,” Mr. Wike said during a press briefing on Thursday.

He added, “That is the day the 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, which the FCT has set aside to honor their traditional rulers for their people to rejoice, to be disrupted by protests. We will not allow it.”

Mr. Wike’s stern warning comes as citizens mobilize for nationwide demonstrations due to economic hardships exacerbated by soaring food prices under Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Leading up to Mr. Wike’s announcement, the Oba of Benin and several clerics had advised youth against participating in the protests, while security agencies continued to detain citizens supporting or organizing such activities.

Since the protests were announced for August 1, the Nigerian government has initiated measures, including rice distribution and raising the minimum wage to N70,000, aiming to pacify public discontent amid soaring food prices driven by economic policies under scrutiny.