As nationwide protests intensified on Thursday, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, was seen visiting the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Around 4:00 PM local time, Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, was spotted alighting from a black Toyota Prado SUV and was quickly ushered into the office of President Bola Tinubu. Although the specific agenda of their discussion remains undisclosed, it is widely speculated that their meeting was in connection to the ongoing protests in the nation’s capital.
Wike, however, did not speak to the press after the meeting.
The Federal Capital Territory experienced massive demonstrations as crowds flooded the central business district and surrounding suburbs. Security officials responded by firing tear gas to disperse protesters. Additionally, individuals believed to be thugs were observed wielding sticks and throwing stones at motorists within the Abuja metropolis.
A heavy security presence was noted at Eagles Square, the proposed meeting point for the protests, with armed personnel blocking the route leading to the Presidential Villa. Our correspondent, who was on the ground, narrowly escaped harm as thugs hurled stones and chanted anti-government slogans.
Nigerians are protesting against the rising cost of living. According to the organizers, the protest, tagged #EndBadGovernance, was planned to take place across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Africa’s most populous country is grappling with severe economic challenges. Since assuming office 14 months ago, President Bola Tinubu ended petrol subsidies, arguing that it would free up funds for infrastructure. He also unified foreign exchange rates, claiming it would eliminate currency arbitrage.
However, these policies have led to a sharp decline in the value of the naira and soaring food prices. In addition, insecurity in many farming regions has displaced farmers, further contributing to the rise in food costs.
The protest comes on the heels of similar demonstrations in Kenya, which some experts suggest may have inspired Nigerians. In Kenya, widespread youth protests against tax hikes have pressured President William Ruto’s government to reconsider its policies.
Organizers of the Nigerian protests have used social media platforms like X and Instagram to mobilize support, mirroring strategies employed during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020. Those protests, initially focused on police brutality, turned violent after being hijacked, resulting in significant property damage and loss of life, with organizers blaming the security forces for using live rounds, a claim the authorities denied.
