Wike Claims Planned National Protest is Politically Motivated
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has described the planned national protest set for August 1 as politically induced. During an inspection tour of the Apo-Karshi Road in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike stated that the protest aims to divert attention from the efforts of President Bola Tinubu's administration.
He appealed for patience from Nigerians, emphasizing that the Federal Government is working on measures to alleviate the economic hardships facing the masses.
Additionally, Wike issued a seven-month ultimatum to the contractors of the Apo-Karshi Road to complete the project. He expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress, attributing the delay to individuals with personal and political interests. Wike noted that 80% of the contract's payment has already been made, making the delay inexcusable.
The Apo-Karshi project, awarded in 2011 under President Goodluck Jonathan's administration at a cost of approximately N6 billion, remains unfinished 13 years later.
Call to Shelve Protest
President Bola Tinubu has called on the organizers of the ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest to cancel their plans, citing concerns over the potential negative impact on the economy and security. The protest, aimed at highlighting economic hardships, has been scheduled to occur across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August. The protest has gained significant traction on social media, though its organizers remain anonymous.
The recent economic crisis, marked by soaring food and commodity prices, has been exacerbated by the government's removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris, following a meeting with President Tinubu, conveyed the President's message urging the protest organizers to await the government's response to their grievances instead of proceeding with the planned demonstrations.