By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has declared that the territory is not available for the planned nationwide protest.
Briefing journalists after security council meeting on Thursday, Wike said August 1 has been set aside for coronation of new traditional rulers in the territory.
Wike, who acknowledged that there are challenges in the country, urged Abuja residents to support with government and avoid issues that will bring about set back.
According to him, people have right to protest or demonstrate but it should be done within the confines of law.
Wike said, “We are all aware of the threat regarding the planned protest, as what many may call end of governance. Yes, people have right to protest, they have right to demonstrate but all these have to come within the ambit of the law.
“This period is a time that all Nigerians have to work collectively to help our country, Mr President and his team are working very hard to make sure that things work well.
“Despite the challenges the president will tackle them, we believe in him but most of Nigerians don’t have patience.
“For us as in FCT, we have seen the changes, we have seen that government is working, so we will not allowed anybody to disrupt our peace in FCT or set us back.
“Those who want to protest on August 1st or there about, FCT is not available for such protest. Unfortunately, that is the day FCT has set aside for the entire Area Councils to jubilate as we will give out certificates of recognition to all the new traditional rulers, we are not going to allow the day set aside to honour monarchs to be disrupted, we will not allowed it.
“We want to make it categorically clear that, that day the entire Area Council will be meeting to recognise and celebrate with their new traditional rulers.
“We want the world to hear us very clearly that the day is not for protest and FCT is not available for protesters”.
