Headline: "Senator Implicated in Sponsoring #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria Protests: FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Reveals"
RALD NEWS MEDIA
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has announced that security agencies have gathered intelligence pointing to a Senator's involvement in funding the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests. Wike disclosed this information during a press briefing held after a security meeting with top security officials in Abuja on Thursday.
According to a report from Emmynet24, despite repeated calls from the government urging citizens to refrain from participating, protests erupted today across Abuja and several other parts of the country.
Minister Wike revealed that a Senator, soon to be summoned by relevant authorities for questioning, was discovered to have enlisted security personnel to deliver food supplies to the protesters. "We have intelligence that a senator had to invite some security agencies to lead some of them to go and provide food for the protesters. That is sponsorship. A senator providing food for protesters. At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day," Wike stated.
Additionally, Wike urged the protesters to adhere to a court order that restricts their activities to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, highlighting the violence and casualties reported in different parts of the country on the first day of protests. He emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining order and ensuring that demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful.
Furthermore, Wike disclosed that security agencies had received intelligence indicating plans by miscreants to hijack the protests and cause property destruction the following day. He assured that security forces would be deployed to prevent any such occurrences. "We believe that this is a democratic government and so we must act according to the rule of law. We also believe that this protest is their entitlement so that the government can address the issues raised. Obeying the rule of law is obeying court orders.
"You saw what happened today when some people tried to move into Eagle Square. Miscreants may not have succeeded in what they wanted to do, but we have intelligence that they are coming out tomorrow to destroy property that will lead to loss of lives. The security agencies will not allow that. Every protester, please, go to the MKO Abiola stadium and do your protest. That is what the court said," he declared.
This revelation comes in the wake of a nationwide outcry, where prominent figures like Oby Ezekwesili have openly criticized President Tinubu’s handling of the protests, arguing that the government should focus on addressing the underlying issues instead of suppressing dissent.
In conclusion, Minister Wike's statements underscore the government's determination to manage the protests within legal frameworks while addressing potential threats to public safety and property. The unfolding events continue to capture national attention as citizens, activists, and officials navigate the complexities of democratic expression and governance in Nigeria.
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