DESPITE opposition from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, to the forthcoming #EndBadGovernance Protest, a group has written to the minister for permission to use Eagle Square for the protest scheduled for August 1 to 10.
The group, Take It Back Movement, in a letter titled, “Request For Use of Eagles Square Abuja For #EndBadGovernance Protest,” addressed to Wike and dated Friday, July 26, notified the minister of its decision to use the Eagles Square as a point of convergence to “demand for better governance.”
In the letter signed by its Director of Mobilization, Damilare Adenola, the group said the request entailed using the venue day and night for the duration of the protest.
“Also, note that the protest may be prolonged beyond ten days as we embark on resolving the protracted national crisis occasioned by the ruling party.
“Further, your office must also ensure the provision of a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of Nigerian citizens who will be camped out at Eagle Square,” the letter stated.
In the letter, the group also demanded that the minister accord the protesters the courtesy given to foreign and local official dignitaries who frequently used the space.
In addition, it requested that the outer wire barrier facing the Aso Rock Presidential Villa be removed as the protesters may decide to visit the Presidential Villa during the protest.
Abuja not available for protest – Wike
Meanwhile, The FCT Minister, Wike, had warned against any planned demonstrations, saying no protest would be allowed in the nation’s capital under his watch.
Wike said this on Thursday, July 25 while addressing some FCT residents during an inspection tour in Saburi community.
“For those who want to protest on the 1st (of August), FCT is not available for such protests,” he said while urging residents to desist from embarking on such acts.
The minister claimed that protests would not address the problems facing the country, urging that instead, every well-meaning citizen must work together to find solutions.
He noted that prominent politicians and other leaders endorsing the demonstration had no good intentions for the nation, but rather were acting in their self-interest.
Wike acknowledged that there was widespread poverty in the nation but insisted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was making every effort to solve the issue and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
He urged Nigerians to be patient with the federal government.
The ICIR reports that Wike has issued a warning against the anticipated nationwide protest twice in the last week.
He labelled the planned protest as politically motivated on Tuesday, claiming that its purpose is to distract Nigerians from the programmes of Tinubu’s government.
Tinubu, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), governors, have all urged Nigerians to postpone the protest.
Food and basic commodities prices have skyrocketed in recent months as Nigerians struggle with one of the biggest inflation and economic crises the nation has ever experienced.
The crises have been worsened by the government’s policies including fuel subsidy removal and unification of forex windows.
A reporter with the ICIR
A Journalist with a niche for quality and a promoter of good governance