The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced that security agencies have obtained intelligence indicating a Senator’s involvement in sponsoring the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
The protests, which commenced on Monday in several parts of the country, continued despite government appeals for citizens to avoid participating.
During a press briefing held after a security meeting with the heads of security agencies in Abuja on Thursday, Wike disclosed the information regarding the Senator’s alleged sponsorship. According to the Minister, the Senator in question escorted security agents to deliver food to the protesters.
“Now we also have intelligence that a senator had to invite some security agencies to lead some of them to go and provide food for the protesters. That is sponsorship,” Wike stated.
Wike emphasized that the Senator would be summoned for questioning by the appropriate authorities at the proper time to address the issue of supporting activities against the government.
“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,” he said.
The Minister reiterated the government’s plea for protesters to adhere to a court order that confines them to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. He highlighted the violence and fatalities that had already occurred in different areas on the first day of the protest.
In addition, Wike revealed that security forces have intelligence suggesting that some miscreants plan to hijack the protests to cause destruction of properties. He assured that security operatives would prevent any such actions.
“We believe that this is a democratic government and so we must act according to the rule of law. We also believe that this protest is their entitlement so that the government can address the issues raised. Obeying the rule of law is obeying court orders,” Wike affirmed.
