As protests erupted across Nigeria on Thursday, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike held a crucial meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Around 4:00 pm local time, Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, arrived at the villa in a black Toyota Prado SUV and proceeded to the President’s office. The specifics of their discussion remain unknown, but it is widely believed that the escalating protests in the capital were a key topic. Wike did not speak to the press following the meeting.
In Abuja, the protests that started on August 1 have grown significantly, with large crowds converging in both the central business district and various suburbs. Security forces deployed tear gas in attempts to control the demonstrators. Meanwhile, thugs armed with sticks and stones attacked motorists in different parts of the city.
Eagle Square, initially planned as a protest site, was heavily guarded with armed security personnel blocking access to the Presidential Villa. One of our correspondents had a close call when thugs threw stones while chanting anti-government slogans.
Organizers stated that the protests are a response to the skyrocketing cost of living. Branded as #EndBadGovernance, the movement has gained widespread support on social media and is set to take place in all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is grappling with severe economic hardships. President Tinubu, who assumed office 14 months ago, abolished petrol subsidies to redirect funds towards infrastructure projects and unified foreign exchange rates to curb currency trading malpractices.
However, these measures have caused the naira to lose significant value, leading to surging food prices. Additionally, ongoing security issues in agricultural areas have displaced many farmers, exacerbating the rise in food costs.
