The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a campaign to dissuade Abuja youths and other stakeholders from participating in the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1, which are planned to address issues of hunger and hardship.
Wike made this announcement during a ministerial engagement with youths from Abuja South Federal Constituency in Kwali Area Council on Sunday.
A similar briefing was conducted with stakeholders in the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
In the coming days, Wike plans to extend these discussions to youths and stakeholders in the Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils.
He emphasized that the purpose of these engagements is to inform them about the potential negative impacts of the protests and to advocate against their involvement.
The Minister commended the traditional rulers and area council chairmen for their efforts in mobilizing FCT youths to participate in these educational sessions, stressing that the protest was not in their best interest.
Wike argued against the necessity of the protest, citing that the current administration has been in office for less than a year, which he believes is insufficient for a fair assessment of its performance.
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He highlighted achievements in sectors such as education, health, and security, asserting that progress has been made and that security improvements should be acknowledged.
“We need peace in the FCT,” Wike stated. “We cannot allow it to be disrupted under the pretense of a protest.”
On the proposed Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology in Abaji, Wike assured that efforts are underway to make the institution one of the best in Nigeria.
He mentioned ongoing procurement processes for essential facilities like classrooms, lecture theatres, and laboratories.
Addressing land issues, Wike expressed frustration over the preoccupation with land allocation, noting that many requests to his office are focused solely on land rather than infrastructure development.
He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to address both land and development concerns.
Wike urged the youths to support the current government and refrain from participating in the upcoming protests, which he suggested are driven by unclear agendas.