Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has revealed that security agencies in Abuja have identified a Senator as one of the sponsors behind the ongoing anti-government protests in the nation’s capital.
Wike made this disclosure on Thursday night, following an emergency FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja. The Minister stated that the Senator allegedly arranged for a truckload of food to be delivered to the protesters, with the assistance of some security operatives. He assured that relevant agencies would soon invite the Senator for questioning.
While acknowledging that protests are a legitimate part of democracy, Wike emphasized that protesters must respect the court order restricting their activities to the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
“We have consistently updated the public as we monitor the protests against bad governance and hunger in the country,” Wike said. “This is a democratic government, and we must adhere to the rule of law. Protesting is a right, and the government is committed to addressing the issues raised. However, obeying the rule of law includes respecting court orders. We are working diligently to improve the lives of the people.
“You are aware of the court order issued yesterday, which did not stop protests but restricted them to the National Stadium. We had appealed against the protest partly because of concerns that miscreants might hijack it and cause property destruction within the FCT. Unfortunately, we’ve already seen loss of lives and property in other states. If such incidents were to occur in the FCT, it would have serious consequences, especially given the presence of the international community here.
“Today, we witnessed an attempt by some individuals to move into the Eagle Square. While they were not successful, we have intelligence that there are plans to cause further destruction and loss of lives tomorrow. Security agencies will not allow that. We urge all protesters to comply with the court’s directive and conduct their protests at the MKO Abiola Stadium.
“We also have intelligence that a Senator facilitated the provision of food for the protesters by involving some security agencies. This is a form of sponsorship. At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the Senator to explain their involvement in supporting activities against the government.
“I commend the residents of Abuja, especially market women, unions, and youths, for maintaining peace and refusing to cause mayhem. This is the behavior we expect. We will continue to do our best to address the challenges facing the people.
“The President has made it clear that the concerns of the youth have been noted, and I also commend the press for their responsible reporting. The security agencies are not here to harass anyone but to ensure that protests are conducted peacefully and lawfully. If anyone still wishes to protest tomorrow, they must confine themselves to the Moshood Abiola Stadium, as ordered by the court.”
