Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has revealed that security agencies in the territory have identified a senator as one of the individuals supporting the anti-government protests. This statement came after an emergency FCT Security Council meeting held in Abuja on the night of August 1.
Wike noted that it was discovered the senator had contacted certain security operatives to escort a truckload of food intended for the protesters. He added that in due course, the relevant agencies will summon the senator for questioning.
While acknowledging the right to protest in a democratic society, Wike emphasized that protesters must adhere to the court order that restricts their activities to the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. He stated, "We had said before now that we will continue to brief the press as we monitor the protest of people who say they are protesting against bad governance and hunger in the country."
Wike elaborated on the government's stance, highlighting the importance of respecting the rule of law: "We believe that this is a democratic government and so we must act according to the rule of law. We also believe that this protesting is their entitlement so that government can address the issues raised. Obeying the rule of law is obeying court orders."
He explained that efforts are being made to improve the lives of citizens and pointed out that the court order did not ban protests but merely confined them to the National Stadium. "We are doing quite a lot to change the lives of the people. You are aware of the court order yesterday. The court did not stop protests, it only restricted them to the National Stadium," he said.
Wike expressed concern that miscreants might hijack the protests, causing property damage and loss of life, as seen in other states. "We had come out to say clearly that one of the reasons we appealed against the protest was that we believe some miscreants will hijack the process and cause destruction of property within the FCT. See what happened in some of the states today. Now, look at the loss of lives. If such a thing happens in the FCT, what do you think people would say? Here we have the international community carrying out their businesses," he added.
Highlighting recent events, Wike mentioned, "You saw what happened today where some people tried to move into the Eagle Square. Miscreants may not have succeeded in what they wanted to do but we have intelligence that they are coming out tomorrow to destroy property that will lead to loss of lives. The security agencies will not allow that. Every protester, please, go to the MKO Abiola Stadium and do your protest. That is what the court said."
The minister concluded by noting that the senator's involvement in providing food for the protesters constitutes sponsorship. "Now we also have intelligence that a senator had to invite some security agencies to lead some of them to go and provide food for the protesters. That is sponsorship. A senator providing food for protesters. At the appropriate time security agencies will invite the senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day," he assured.
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