#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Wike meets Tinubu, says FG ready for dialogue

On Thursday, as nationwide protests began, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was seen arriving at the Presidential Villa in Abuja later that afternoon.

Our reporter observed the former governor of Rivers State stepping out of a black Toyota Prado SUV and being escorted into the President’s Office.

While the specifics of their conversation were not disclosed by the time this report was compiled, it is speculated that it pertained to the hunger protests that erupted on Thursday, with the FCT at its core.

The central business district and surrounding areas in FCT witnessed significant crowds demonstrating as security personnel deployed tear gas to disperse them.

At the same time, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory expressed the government’s willingness to engage in discussions with the demonstrators.

Wike made this announcement during a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, where he presented the Staff of Office to four newly appointed Chiefs from Karu, Kwali, Pai, and Yaba.

He praised those protesters who chose non-violence and encouraged them to maintain their peaceful approach, emphasizing that it is preferable to resolve issues through dialogue with the government.

I encourage you to persist with the peace initiative, as those who foster peace will ultimately reap its benefits. I commend your efforts and urge you to continue engaging with our community, expressing our willingness to communicate and resolve any misunderstandings.

We will also provide them with information they may lack, enabling them to make well-informed choices, the minister stated.

Wike characterized Abuja as the heart of national unity, emphasizing that it belongs to everyone; losing Abuja equates to losing Nigeria.

This is why we advocate for collaboration. Under President Bola Tinubu‘s current administration, there are no limits to what we can achieve together. Give him some time, and significant changes will follow.

Addressing the crowned leaders, the minister emphasized the significant responsibilities of traditional rulers, noting their close connection to the community and their frequent interactions with the populace.

He stated, You have an intimate understanding of your people’s sentiments; you are crucial in informing us about the government’s effectiveness.

It is your duty to communicate government initiatives and future plans to your communities. You are instrumental in promoting government policies and programs among your constituents.

If you share inaccurate information, that will be what they believe. Conversely, if you provide accurate information, that will also shape their understanding. Thus, your role is extremely important.