On Thursday, while nationwide protests were ongoing, the former Rivers State governor, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was seen at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The exact nature of their discussion was unknown as he was escorted into the President’s Office, but it was believed to be related to the hunger protests that started that day, with the FCT being a central point of the demonstrations.
Large crowds protested in the central business district and suburbs of the FCT, prompting security forces to use tear gas.
Wike emphasized that the Federal Government was willing to engage in dialogue with the protesters.
Wike reaffirmed the government’s openness to dialogue and President Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians.
“I want you to continue with that peace process, because he who makes peace will, at the end of the day, enjoy the dividends of peace,” Wike stated. He emphasized the importance of dialogue, encouraging the protesters to communicate their grievances to the government.
He made these remarks while handing over the Staff of the Office to newly installed Chiefs of Karu, Kwali, Pai, and Yaba in Abuja. He praised the protesters for remaining peaceful and encouraged continued non-violence, stressing the benefits of dialogue with the government.
Wike emphasized Abuja’s importance as the nation’s “centre of unity,” urging cooperation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He called on traditional rulers, being closest to the grassroots, to communicate government policies effectively to the people.
Additionally, Wike revealed that security agencies had identified a Senator allegedly sponsoring the protests by providing food to the demonstrators.
He mentioned this during a press briefing after a security council meeting in Abuja. While the Senator’s identity was not disclosed, Wike warned that the lawmaker would be summoned for questioning.
The minister urged protesters to respect the court order and conduct demonstrations at the MKO Abiola Stadium to prevent the hijacking of peaceful protests.
