The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is actively engaging with Abuja youths and other stakeholders to dissuade them from participating in the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10, which are intended to address issues of hunger and hardship.
During a ministerial engagement with youths from the Abuja South Federal Constituency in Kwali Area Council of the FCT on Sunday, Wike emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding involvement in the protests.
Wike highlighted that similar engagements will be conducted with stakeholders in Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils in the coming days. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that a previous interaction with stakeholders took place in the Abuja Municipal Area Council on Saturday.
The minister explained that the purpose of these interactions is to enlighten the youths and stakeholders about the potential negative consequences of protests and why they should refrain from joining them.
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Expressing his gratitude to the traditional rulers and area council chairmen for their efforts in mobilizing the youths for these discussions, Wike stressed that the youths should not involve themselves in protests that do not directly concern them.
He pointed out the significant achievements in various sectors such as education, health, and particularly security, urging the residents to recognize and commend the efforts of security agencies.
Wike underscored the necessity for peace in the FCT amidst current developments and argued that protests are not the solution.
He also addressed the ongoing efforts to establish the Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology in Abaji, assuring that it is set to become one of the premier institutions in the country.
The minister called on the youths to support the current government and abstain from participating in the planned protests, suggesting that the motives behind the protests are not entirely clear. He emphasized the importance of cooperation and constructive dialogue to achieve progress and stability in the region.