Highlight

Wike alleges serving senator behind ongoing protests in FCT

529

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has said security agencies have identified a senator as one of the key sponsors of the anti-government demonstrations in the FCT.

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

The minister declared that relevant agencies would summon the identified senator for questioning in due course.

While acknowledging that protests are a legitimate aspect of democracy, Wike emphasized that the protesters have a responsibility to uphold democratic principles by adhering to the court order limiting their activities to a designated venue – the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

He said: “We had said before now that we will continue to brief the press as we monitor the protests of people who say they are protesting against bad governance and hunger in the country. We believe that this is a democratic government, and so we must act according to the rule of law.

“We also believe that this protest is their entitlement so that the government can address the issues raised. Obeying the rule of law is obeying court orders. 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. 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.

“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.”

Wike added: “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. 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.”

Leave a comment

Related Articles

FG set to partner private sector to raise $10bln for power sector

The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to collaborate with the...

Nigeria Customs Service Exceeds 2024 Revenue Target, Rakes in N5.7trn

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a remarkable revenue generation of...

Alleged bullying: FG suspends 13 FGC Enugu students as governor orders arrest

The Federal Government has taken swift action against bullying in Federal Government...

Edo Gov. Okpebholo appoints Oshimhole’s son commissioner, SSG, AG, others

The new governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has announced Mr....

Rodri Brushes Off Vinicius, Real Madrid at Ballon d’Or ceremony

Recently crowned 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has downplayed the absence of...

Super Eagles Land in Abidjan, Gear Up for Benin Republic Clash

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has arrived in Abidjan,...

Nigeria signs $1.2bln deal with CNCEC to revive aluminium smelter

Nigeria has taken a significant step towards reviving its dormant aluminium smelter...

VP Shettima Arrives in Benin City for Edo Governor’s Inauguration

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Benin City, Edo State capital,...

Breaking: Powerful explosion rocks Jos, many people feared dead

A devastating explosion shook the city of Jos on Tuesday morning, sending...

NNPC Ltd. boss, Mele Kyari, thrashes allegation of sabotaging Dangote Refinery as baseless

Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National...

Infanticide: US places $25,000 bounty on fleeing Nigerian parent

The United States of America has offered a $25,000 reward for anyone...

Tinubu, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, others extol Pastor Tunde Bakare at 70

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the founder of Citadel Global Community Church, is a...

NNPC Ltd. Unveils Plan to Resolve Nigeria’s Energy Trilemma

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) Group CEO, Mr. Mele Kyari,...

Breaking: IPMAN Secures Direct Supply Deal with Dangote Refinery, Promises Steady, Affordable Fuel Nationwide

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced a landmark...

“Operation Sweep”, FCT demolition squad, faces backlash from residents, Wike reacts

The recent demolition exercise by “Operation Sweep”, a task force set up...

Nov. 16 Ondo guber poll: Sensitive election materials arrive

Ahead of the Saturday, October 16 governorship poll in Ondo State, sensitive...

China’s imports from Nigeria soar to $15.1bln, 36.1% increase

China’s imports from Nigeria have reached an all-time high of $15.1 billion...

Vandals destroy TCN towers, disrupt power supply in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported a fresh attack on...

Amid opposition, Kano Rep. Jibrin promises to push Tinubu’s tax reform bills through in NASS

In spite of growing opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s controversial tax reform...

FCT Police bust notorious car theft syndicate, arrest suspect, recover 3 vehicles

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police has confirmed the arrest of a...