The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has refused to acknowledge the letter written by the Take-It-Back Movement, one of the organisers of the planned nationwide #DaysOfRage and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
Last Friday, SaharaReporters reported that the TIB had written to Wike, requesting the release of the Eagle Square in Abuja between August 1 and 10, 2024, for the protest.
The letter signed by the Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement (TIB) in Abuja, Damilare Adenola, noted that the protesters would need access to the venue day and night during the period of protest.
Wike later said his office had not received the letter.
Speaking on Saturday at a town hall meeting with critical stakeholders in the FCT ahead of the planned protest, Wike claimed no letter was sent to his office requesting to use Eagle Square for the demonstration.
But according to Adenola, that may be due to government bureaucracy or Wike’s lack of sincerity about receiving the letter.
However, SaharaReporters learnt from a source on Monday that “Wike’s office refused to acknowledge TIB letter requesting use of Eagle Square”.
The FCT Minister last week attempted to suppress the agitations when he urged residents to shun the protest and rather celebrate with some traditional rulers who would receive their certificates on August 1, the day the protest is schedule to begin.
He described the protesters as faceless.
However, Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take-It-Back Movement has addressed the characterisation of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest organisers as “faceless.”
Adenola described the label as a “double insult,” arguing that it dismisses the reality of those leading the protest, whom he said are primarily “hungry Nigerians” and “unemployed Nigerians roaming the streets.”
He emphasised, “The greatest motivation of this #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest is hunger.”
Adenola noted that the demands of the protest were formed through democratic debate among young Nigerians, reflecting widespread frustration.
Adenola clarified that Take It Back Movement is not the sole organiser but part of a broader coalition.
“Take It Back is one of the organisers of this protest, but not the only organiser,” he stated.
He said this on Sunday during an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today where he highlighted that the protest’s leadership comes from the collective will of the Nigerian people, not a single organisation.
Regarding the use of public spaces like Eagle Square for protests, Adenola questioned the government’s demand for payment and security fees.
He said, “The truth is that Eagle Square is a public property. What does the minister expect?”
