Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), revealed on Saturday, July 27, that his office has not received a formal letter requesting the use of Eagle Square for the planned #EndBadGovernance protest, scheduled to begin on August 1.
This announcement was made during a town hall meeting with key stakeholders in the FCT, where Wike emphasized the importance of following proper procedures for requesting the use of public spaces.
Wike stated that his office has not been approached through official channels regarding the use of Eagle Square for the protest, and advised the organizers to avoid relying solely on social media to communicate their plans. He reiterated his earlier stance against the protest, citing concerns about potential disruptions to public order and safety.
The town hall meeting was attended by a diverse range of stakeholders, including the FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, area council chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives of political parties, and women and youth groups, among others.
Wike’s announcement was met with a mix of reactions from the attendees, with some expressing concerns about the potential impact of the protest on the city, while others emphasized the importance of allowing citizens to exercise their right to peaceful assembly.
Despite the controversy surrounding the protest, Wike maintained his position that the FCT is not available for such protests, and urged residents to refrain from participating in actions that could potentially disrupt public order. The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue and engagement between stakeholders to address the underlying issues driving the protest.
