In an effort to dissuade the youth of Abuja from participating in the anticipated nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10, Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is rallying local stakeholders to promote stability and understanding.
During a recent engagement with youth representatives from the Abuja South Federal Constituency in the Kwali Area Council, Wike emphasized the importance of refraining from involvement in the protests, which he believes are driven by issues of hunger and hardship. He announced plans to extend this dialogue to youth in the Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils in the coming days.
A similar discussion took place the previous day with representatives from the Abuja Municipal Area Council, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Wike articulated that the purpose of these gatherings is to inform attendees about the potential negative consequences of protests and to clarify why they should remain uninvolved. He expressed gratitude to traditional leaders and area council chairmen for their efforts in engaging the youth and fostering a better understanding of the situation.
“There is no justification for the protest,” Wike asserted. “The administration has only been in power for just under a year, and it is premature to evaluate its effectiveness.”
He continued, “Leadership cannot be assessed in such a short timeframe. Although my tenure has not reached a year, I believe I have accomplished significant progress that warrants recognition and demonstrates that the Federal Capital Territory is functioning effectively.”
Highlighting achievements in education, healthcare, and particularly in security, Wike urged residents to support the security forces and acknowledge their efforts. He remarked, “It is unjust to claim that we have made no strides in addressing insecurity when there have been notable improvements.”
Wike stressed that the current situation in the FCT calls for peace rather than protests, stating, “We seek tranquility in the FCT, and we cannot sit by idly while it is jeopardized under the guise of protest.”
Regarding the establishment of the proposed Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology in Abaji, Wike shared that significant steps are being taken to ensure the institution ranks among the finest in Nigeria.
“I am committed to creating a university that we can all be proud of and readily share with others as a place of excellence,” he said, outlining ongoing procurement efforts for classrooms, lecture halls, and laboratories.
On the subject of land issues, Wike voiced his frustration, saying, “The main concern in Abuja seems to be land allocation. Once appointed as a minister, it often feels like the primary focus is on distributing land.”
He lamented, “When people come to see me, the overwhelming majority discuss land issues, while critical topics like infrastructure, healthcare, and education are largely ignored. I often wonder, if everyone takes all this land, where will the indigenous population reside?”
Wike concluded by urging the youth to align with the current government and stay clear of the upcoming protests, which he believes are orchestrated by individuals with unclear motives.
