Nigerian Minister Slams Planned Nationwide Protest as “Political Gimmick”

Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described a planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024, as a “political gimmick” designed to gain popularity among Nigerian citizens. The minister made these comments on Tuesday while addressing journalists during an inspection of the Apo-Karshi Road project, which was first awarded in 2011.

The planned protests, backed by the hashtags #TinubuMustGo and #Revolution2024, aim to address economic hardships plaguing the country. However, Wike believes that the administration has only been in office for one year and is working to rectify a decade of rot, claiming that a miracle is expected to happen within a short period.

“We know that the country was rotten, and a government has just come to see what it can do, at least to move from where we are to a certain level. But it’s not possible to expect a miracle in just one year,” Wike said, according to a statement by the Punch.

The minister also lashed out at “political jobbers” who seek to gain popularity by masterminding the protests. Wike emphasized that the administration needs time to address the country’s many challenges, including unemployment and hunger.

However, Wike’s criticism of the protest was not limited to the planned actions. He also lamented the role of politics and lack of capacity in delaying the completion of the Apo-Karshi Road project, which was first awarded in 2011. The minister vowed to review the capacity of the contractors and expects the project to be completed within six to seven months, provided they demonstrate the capacity to handle it.

Wike’s comments may spark controversy among those planning and participating in the protest. However, for now, the minister remains optimistic that the administration will deliver on its promises despite the challenges facing the country.