Wike Under Fire Over Reckless Comment On Planned Nationwide Protests
After the Minister in charge of the federal capital territory, Nyesom Wike stated that the capital territory would rather jubilate than protest on August 1, emphasising that the FCT is not available to protesters, the Amnesty International, a global human rights body, has described his statement as reckless.
This was communicated in tweet on its official X handle via @AmnestyNigeria.
The organisation noted that protest is a fundamental human right that must be well respected.
“Amnesty International condemns the reckless and misguided statements attributed to the Minister of FCT Nyesom E. Wike — who was quoted by the media saying “FCT is not available for protesters.” Peaceful assembly in FCT is a fundamental human right that must be respected”
“We note with concern the recent disturbing trend of veiled threats laced with false insinuations aimed at delegitimizing peaceful protesters and protests. Harmful rhetorics from government officials must not be used to justify violation of human rights,” Amnesty posted on X.
NNH earlier reported that Wike said FCT wasn’t available for protest.
“We will not allow anybody to set us back. We are looking forward to making sure that we take FCT to where it is supposed to be as one of the major cities, not only in Africa but in the world.”
“So, we will not allow anybody to disrupt peace and set us back. For those who want to protest on Aug 1, or thereabout, FCT is not available for such protest,” Wike had bragged.
“That is the day FCT has set aside for the entire area councils to jubilate, to give out certificates of recognition for their traditional rulers.
“We will not allow that day that FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers; for their people to rejoice, and then somebody will come and disrupt that day. We will not allow it.
“We want people to come out and celebrate, as part of the achievement of the current administration.
“That day is not available for those who want to protest and FCT is not available for the protesters,” he further said.
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest was called to address issues such as growing hunger, inflation among other poor economic indices and is scheduled for August 1 to 10.
