Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, claims security officers have received information about a senator funding the #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protests against the government.
This was disclosed by the minister during a press briefing on Thursday following a security meeting with heads of security agencies in Abuja.
The planned protests began on Thursday in Abuja and other parts of the country, despite government officials’ requests that residents refrain from participating.
Wike stated that the senator, who he indicated would be summoned for questioning by competent agencies in due course, was accompanied by security agents when delivering food to demonstrators.
“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.
“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 again urged demonstrators to observe the court ruling that limited them to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, citing the violence and killings that occurred in other parts of the country on the first day of the protest.
He revealed that security agencies received intelligence that miscreants planned to hijack the demonstration and destroy properties, but that security personnel would not allow it.
“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.
“You saw what happened today when some people tried to move into Eagle Square. Miscreants may not have succeeded in what they wanted to do, but we have intelligence that they are coming out tomorrow to destroy property that will lead to loss of lives.
“The security agencies will not allow that. Every protester, please, go to the MKO Abiola stadium and do your protest. That is what the court said,” he declared.