Nationwide Protest: “If We Lose Abuja, We Have Lost Nigeria” – Wike

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, commended protesters in the nation’s capital for being non-violent and peaceful. Also stating that if Abuja was lost to violence, the nation is also lost.

Wike during his address at the presentation of the Staff of Office to four newly graded Chiefs in Abuja. Had made this statement, on Thursday, August 1.

PALNDO has earlier reported that the scheduled #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests had began. With the Abuja protesters, conveying at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

However, the peaceful protests has been disrupted with violence. This has forced the security agencies and men of the Nigeria Police. To fire tear gas at some protesters, so as to maintain law and order.

Businesses, banks and a few markets across the city. Were also recorded to have been shut due to the protests escalating into a crisis.

In his address, the Minister stated that nothing will be achievable. If the protesters does not dialogue with the government. Then, he called for citizens to be patient with the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He said: “ I also commend the protesters in Abuja who have refused to be violent. So, let them continue to be peaceful. Abuja is the Centre of Unity. This Abuja is for everybody.”

“If we lose Abuja, we have lost Nigeria. That’s why we have always said let us work together. There’s nothing we cannot achieve under the present administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.”

“Give him time, and a lot of things will change.”

“We have seen severally that it is better to dialogue. it is better to sit down and iron out issues with the government.”

“I want you to continue with that peace process, and he who makes peace, will at the end of the day, and will also enjoy the dividend of peace. I want to commend you and still talk to our people. This is to appeal to them that we are still ready to sit with them and dialogue with them, and iron out the grey areas,” he added.