The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, revealed on Thursday that security agencies have identified a Senator who allegedly sponsored protests in Abuja.
Speaking during a press briefing after a security council meeting, Wike said, “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.”
Although the minister did not disclose the identity of the senator, he emphasized that providing food for protesters constitutes sponsorship.
He cautioned protesters in Abuja to obey the court order and confine their protest to the MKO Abiola Stadium, citing intelligence reports of individuals planning to hijack the peaceful protest.
Wike clarified that he was not opposed to the protest but emphasized that all demonstrations should be carried out in accordance with the law. Earlier in his address, the minister commended protesters in Abuja for choosing peace and shunning violence.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the protesters, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is taking necessary measures to alleviate the hardship of Nigerians.