Protests: Wike Sets Conditions for Using Eagle Square

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has set stringent conditions for any group seeking to use Eagle Square in Abuja.

During a town hall meeting on Saturday in Abuja, Wike stated that any application to use Eagle Square must adhere to several requirements, including a formal application, paying for security costs, and reserving the facility.

Wike expressed concerns about the potential for violence and disruption, similar to the #EndSARS protests, which he described as destabilizing. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and unity in Abuja, a center of national harmony.

His words: “Who are these people who want to protest? They have applied to me to grant Eagle Square. Do you apply to me through social media?

“You will write a letter to the minister. I will see you; who are you; what do you want to do? How many days do you want to spend? How much will you pay?

“You don’t apply to me through Channels; you must apply properly. You must pay what we call security cost so that if there is any damage to the facility, we will take from that security cost and repair it.

“We don’t just give people because you have applied. You must fulfill the conditions. People have paid for Eagle Square, and you said you have applied to me now. So, I should go and cancel the other people’s own because you want to protest? It is first come, first served.

“I am not saying that people should not protest, but not protests aimed at destabilizing the government.”