The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, announced that security agencies have identified a senator as a key sponsor of the ongoing anti-government protests.
This revelation came following an emergency FCT Security Council meeting held Thursday night in Abuja.
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Wike explained that the senator in question arranged for security operatives to escort a truckload of food supplies intended for the protesters.
He assured that the relevant agencies would summon the senator for questioning in due time.
While acknowledging that protests are a democratic right, Wike emphasized the importance of respecting the court order that confines protest activities to the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
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“We had previously stated that we would continue to brief the press as we monitor the protests against bad governance and hunger in the country,” Wike said. “This is a democratic government, and we must adhere to the rule of law. Protesting is an entitlement, allowing the government to address the raised issues. Obeying the rule of law means obeying court orders.”
Wike reiterated the government’s efforts to improve the lives of the people and highlighted the recent court order, which did not stop protests but restricted them to the National Stadium.
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He expressed concerns about the potential for miscreants to hijack the protests and cause property destruction within the FCT, as seen in other states where protests resulted in loss of lives.
“If such incidents occur in the FCT, it would have significant implications, especially with the international community conducting their businesses here,” Wike noted.
He pointed to an attempted breach at the Eagle Square and warned that security agencies have intelligence suggesting plans for further property destruction and potential loss of lives.
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“The security agencies will not permit that,” Wike asserted. “Every protester should go to the MKO Abiola stadium and protest there, as per the court’s directive.”
He also disclosed that a senator had invited security agencies to assist in providing food for the protesters, which he described as sponsorship.
“A senator providing food for protesters. At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the senator to explain why he is sponsoring activities against the government,” Wike concluded.
