The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has alleged that a senator is sponsoring the ongoing anti-government protests.
Wike made this revelation on Thursday after an emergency FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja.
According to Wike, security agencies have identified the senator in question, who reportedly arranged for security operatives to escort a truckload of food for the protesters. Wike stated that relevant agencies would soon summon the senator for questioning.
“We have been monitoring the protests against bad governance and hunger. This is a democratic government, and we must act according to the rule of law,” Wike said.
“Protesting is a democratic right, allowing the government to address the raised issues. Obeying the rule of law includes adhering to court orders.”
Wike highlighted the recent court order that restricted protests to the National Stadium, emphasizing the importance of preventing miscreants from hijacking the demonstrations and causing property damage within the FCT.
“See what happened in some states today with the loss of lives. If such events occur in the FCT, it would have severe implications, especially with the international community present here,” Wike added.
Wike further revealed that intelligence reports indicated a senator’s involvement in sponsoring the protests by providing food for the demonstrators. “A senator providing food for protesters constitutes sponsorship. At the appropriate time, security agencies will summon the senator to explain their involvement in this matter against the government,” Wike concluded.
The minister assured that the government is taking significant steps to improve the lives of the people and called for peaceful and lawful demonstrations.
