Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, August 1, called on people protesting against President Bola Tinubu’s administration to embrace dialogue.
Wike said the government is ready to listen and also walk them through some governance issues that they may not have been privy to.
The minister made the appeal while presenting staff of office to the four newly appointed graded chiefs of Karu, Kwali, Pai, and Yaba in the territory.
Commending protesters in the FCT for being nonviolent, Wike urged them to continue to resist those who wanted to destroy the nation.
He said Abuja as the nation’s capital remained a precious asset to the country, noting that if the FCT is destroyed, it will have negative consequences on the entire country.
Wike said: “Let me take this opportunity to commend the people, the youths of Abuja for not being violent. We have said severally that it is better to dialogue with the government and keep the peace. He who makes peace will at the end of the day enjoy the dividends of peace. I still want to talk to our people that we are still ready to sit down and dialogue with them and let them know things that they may not know because information is power. I commend the protesters in Abuja who have refused to be violent.”
Addressing the new chiefs, Wike urged them to continue to serve as intermediaries between the government and the people.
He said: “These stools were vacant before we came on board. We thank God Almighty that with the support of relevant stakeholders, we have been able to fill these stools today.
“Traditional rulers have a lot of roles to play. You are the closest to the grassroots. You interface with the people more than us. You know what and how the people feel. You can tell us whether the government is making any impact or not and you are the ones to convey to your subjects what the government is doing. if you convey a wrong message, that is what the people will accept. If you convey the right message that is what the people will accept. So, you need to take your responsibility very seriously. The government will provide all you need to work for your people.
“If there are issues, reach out to us and we will do the needful. You don’t have to start going to churches or mosques raising such issues. When we visited the councils, you told us some of the things you needed immediately and we have done some and are doing the rest”.
Also, the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has urged Nigerians to shun protests and be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
IDFP believes that religious and traditional leaders are effective peacemakers and support their efforts in educating the public on the importance of maintaining a peaceful and safe nation.
Briefing reporters in Abuja on the protest, Co-Chair of IDFP, Dr. Yussuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu said the protesters should embrace dialogue and pleaded with the government to listen to the yearning of the people for development.
IDFP is an interreligious peace-building organization made up of 120 Christian and Muslim religious and traditional leaders from across Nigeria.
The forum said the protest will not solve the current situation rather it will bring a setback to the country.
Arrigasiyyu said: “Nigeria is navigating through a period of significant economic hardship. This situation has arisen following crucial policy changes implemented by the President. These policies, although in the view of the Government, are necessary for the long-term improvement of our economy, have unfortunately resulted in immediate and substantial challenges for many of our citizens.
“Recognizing the desperate need for peace, IDFP acknowledges the frustrations and hardships experienced by the masses. The planned protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, under the slogan
“End Bad Governance, reflects the urgency and desperation felt by many. While we respect the right of citizens to express their grievances, we urge all the parties to embrace dialogue in the spirit of nation-building.
“Sequel to this, we call on the Government to re-access its interventions and policies such that they will make immediate meaning to ordinary citizens of the country by way of cutting the cost of governance, providing an enabling environment for ease of doing business, and cutting the cost of production of goods and services.
“In the same breath, while acknowledging the valid concerns of the citizens, we ask for your understanding and patience. We feel the frustrations that many are expressing, and we empathize with the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians. However, we urge patience and unity in these difficult times.
“Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP), while appreciating the effort of religious and traditional leaders in trying to calm fraying nerves, urges them to maintain their roles in the promotion of peaceful coexistence, national cohesion, and mutual understanding among citizens. IDFP stands committed to fostering peace and unity across Nigeria. Let us work together, support one another, and remain hopeful for a brighter future.”
Also present at the briefing was the co-chair, IDFP, Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman, and other members of the forum.
