FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has praised protesters in the nation’s capital for choosing peace over violence.
He made these remarks during the presentation of staff of office to newly appointed graded chiefs in the FCT. Wike reiterated the Federal Government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the protesters and emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is actively working to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians.
While protests against hunger and hardship occurred in several states across the country on Thursday, some areas remained unaffected, with life continuing as usual. For example, in Bayelsa State, the youth abstained from participating in the protests, earning praise from State Governor Senator Douye Diri. He commended them for adhering to his appeal for peace and stability, suggesting their decision demonstrated a commitment to maintaining order.
Governor Diri also expressed concerns about the motives behind the protests, alleging that they were being fueled by political figures who lost in the 2023 governorship election. He accused these politicians of attempting to exploit the national unrest to destabilize Bayelsa, stating, “These individuals do not have the welfare of the state at heart. They seek to disrupt the peace and progress we have been working hard to maintain.”