Wike, Tinubu Meet: FG Willing to Address Economic Hardship Concerns
FG extends olive branch to orotesters, Wike says after Tinubu .eeting...
Nigeria's Minister Wike meets with President Tinubu amid economic hardship protests, announces government's willingness to dialogue with protesters, and reveals intelligence on Senator's alleged involvement in funding protests.
Following nationwide protests over economic hardship that commenced on August 2, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Although the specifics of their discussion were not revealed, it is believed to be connected to the ongoing hunger protests, which have significantly impacted the FCT.
The FCT has been a focal point of the protests, with large crowds gathering in the central business district and suburbs. Security personnel have employed tear gas to disperse the protesters. In response to the situation, Minister Wike announced the Federal Government's willingness to engage in dialogue with the protesters.
Wike made this announcement during a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, where he presented the Staff of Office to four newly appointed Chiefs. This gesture indicates the government's intention to address the concerns of the protesters and work towards a resolution.
Addressing the newly appointed chiefs, Minister Wike emphasized the significance of traditional rulers, noting that they play a vital role in governance. He highlighted that, due to their proximity to the grassroots, they have a unique opportunity to engage with the people and understand their concerns, making them invaluable intermediaries between the government and the community.
“I want you to continue with that peace process, because he who makes peace will, at the end of the day, enjoy the dividends of peace.
“I want to commend you and urge you to still talk to our people, that we are still ready to talk to them, have a dialogue with them and iron out the grey areas.
“We'll also brief them on certain things they do not know so that they will be well informed to make informed decisions,” the minister said.
Describing Abuja as the nation's centre of unity, Wike said, “Abuja is for everybody; if we lose Abuja, we have lost Nigeria. That is why we have always said, let us work together. There is nothing we can't achieve under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“Give him time, and a lot of things will change.”
Wike commended the protesters for maintaining peace and urged them to continue their non-violent approach, stressing that dialogue is key to resolving grievances with the government.
He said: “You are the one who knows what the people feel at home; you are the one who will tell us whether the government is making any impact or not.
“You will convey to your subjects what the government is doing and what the government is about to do; you are the one to sell government policies and programmes to your people.
“If you convey a wrong message, that is what the people will accept. If you convey the right message, that is what the people will accept. So, you play a very pivotal role,” he said.
On Thursday, Minister Wike revealed that security agencies had uncovered intelligence suggesting that a Senator is secretly funding the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests against the government. This announcement came after a security meeting with top officials from various agencies in Abuja.
Despite warnings from government officials urging citizens not to participate, the planned protests proceeded in Abuja and other parts of the country. Minister Wike alleged that the Senator, who will be summoned for questioning by relevant authorities, was spotted with security agents while distributing food to the protesters, further fueling suspicions of their involvement.
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