By Damilare Adeleye
Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has dared Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for saying that Abuja is not available for protest on August 1.
Sowore in a post on his X handle on Friday said the proposed nationwide protests will start from Abuja.
“It is starting from and in Abuja!,” he said.
Similarly, a group identified as Take It Back Movement wrote to the minister to asked for use of Eagles Square Abuja for the protest.
The letter, shared by Sowore, was signed by Damilare Adenola, the Director of Mobilization for the group.
It reads: “As one of the groups organizing the forthcoming #EndBadGovernance protest, #DaysOfRage starting from August 1st to 10th, 2024; we at the Take it Back Movement (TIB), write to your esteemed office, to notify you of our decision to use the Eagles Square as a point of convergence for patriotic Nigerians to demand for better governance.
“This request entails using this national asset-day and night for the duration of the historic protest. Also, note that the protest may be prolonged beyond ten days as we embark on resolving the protracted national crisis occasioned by the ruling party.
“Further, your office must also ensure the provision of a 24-hour power supply. toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of Nigerian citizens who will be camped out at Eagle Square.
“In short, we ask that the protesters are accorded the courtesy accorded to foreign and local official dignitaries who have frequently used the space. In addition, we request that the outer wire mesh barrier facing the Aso Rock Villa be removed in the meantime, as protesters may decide to visit the Presidential Villa during the protest.
“It is our sincere hope that this request will be granted expeditiously.”
This comes after Wike said that August 1 had been set aside for the chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers.
The Minister gave the warning while briefing journalists on the outcome of the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
Some Nigerians are mobilising for nationwide protest slated for August 1 to August 10, 2024.
Tagged #EndBadGovernace, organisers of the protest have lamented about widespread hunger and misgovernance in the country.