Wike holds talks with Tinubu
As nationwide protests commenced on Thursday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was seen at the Presidential Villa in Abuja in the afternoon. Our reporter observed the former Rivers State governor getting out of a black Toyota Prado Sports Utility Vehicle and being escorted into the President’s Office. The subject of their conversation was not disclosed at the time of writing this report, but it was believed to be related to the hunger protests that began in the FCT on Thursday. The FCT witnessed large demonstrations as crowds gathered in the central business district and surrounding areas, while security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
In the meantime, the FCT minister expressed that the Federal Government was willing to engage in a dialogue with the protesters. Wike made this statement while handing over the Staff of the Office to four newly appointed Chiefs of Karu, Kwali, Pai, and Yaba in Abuja on Thursday. He praised the protesters who chose not to resort to violence and encouraged them to continue to maintain peace, emphasizing the importance of resolving issues through dialogue with the government.
Read Also: Governor Abba Kabir has Enforced a 24-hour Curfew in Kano in Response to Protests.
“I encourage you to continue pursuing peace, because those who promote peace will ultimately benefit from it. I commend you and urge you to keep communicating with our people, as we are still prepared to engage in dialogue with them and address any concerns. We will also educate them on certain matters they may not be aware of so that they can make well-informed decisions,” the minister stated.
Referring to Abuja as the country’s “center of unity,” Wike emphasized, “Abuja belongs to everyone; if we lose Abuja, we lose Nigeria. That’s why we have always emphasized the need to maintain peace and unity in Abuja for the greater good of Nigeria.”
