Governor Wike appeals to youths, urging them to forego planned protests against hardship and instead engage in dialogue to address their concerns.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has made a request to young people living in Nigeria’s capital city not to participate in the forthcoming August #EndBadGovernance protest calling for an end to economic struggles and challenges.

Last week, the ex-governor of Rivers State declared that protesting in the FCT was not allowed. This statement received intense backlash from youth groups who have now committed to organizing a rally at Eagle Square next month.

The minister seemed to be downplaying the issue during a town hall meeting with youth stakeholders in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT on Monday. He encouraged them to voice their concerns but also urged them to abandon their planned nationwide protest.

Present at the meeting were area council chairpersons, traditional leaders, religious organizations and delegates from women’s and youth groups.

During his opening speech, the FCT minister expressed gratitude towards individuals present at the town hall for being open to discussion. He reiterated that President Bola Tinubu is dedicatedly working towards advancing our nation.

Wike declared that the President had granted permission for a youth secretariat to be established in the FCT Administration (FCTA) and police stations to be constructed in every area council within the nation’s capital as part of infrastructure development.

He urged young people in every area council to reject the protest and adopt discussion, guaranteeing them of an imminent improvement.