Amidst the ongoing nationwide protests, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was spotted at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday afternoon, sparking speculation about the purpose of his visit.
As protests engulfed the FCT, with security officials firing tear gas to disperse demonstrators, Wike emphasized the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with protesters.
During a ceremony where he handed over the Staff of the Office to four newly coronated Chiefs, Wike commended peaceful protesters and urged them to continue engaging in dialogue. “I want you to continue with that peace process… We are still ready to talk to them, have a dialogue with them, and iron out the grey areas,” he said.
Wike described Abuja as the nation’s “centre of unity” and expressed optimism in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “Give him time, and a lot of things will change,” he added.
Addressing the traditional rulers, Wike highlighted their crucial role in communicating government policies and programs to the grassroots. “You play a very pivotal role,” he emphasized.
