….As group intensifies Mobilisation
Indications emerged on Friday that promoters of the #EndBadGovernance protests are not shifting grounds on their planned August 1st to 10 protests, despite appeals by the federal government and concerned Nigerians.
The movement, in a letter addressed to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, dated Friday, 26, July 2024 and sighted by the BusinessDay, introduced itself as “ one of the groups organizing the forthcoming #EndBadGovernance protest, titled #DaysOfRage, taking place from August 1st to 10, 2024.
The letter came a few hours after Nyesom Wike outlawed any form of protests in the FCT.
In a letter titled “ Request for the use of Eagles Square Abuja for the #EndBadGovernance protest,” the group said they are using the venue “ as a point of convergence for patriotic Nigerians for demand for better governance”
They also threatened to extend the protest beyond the planned ten days, as according to them, “ We embark on resolving the protracted national crises, occasioned by the ruling party”
In the letter, signed by Damilare Adenola, Director of the Organisation, the group insists that the Minister “must also ensure the provision of a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of Nigerian citizens who will be camped at the Eagle.
They went further to ask the FCT Minister to ensure that the protesters are accorded the courtesy accorded to foreign and local official dignitaries who have frequently used the space.
“In addition, we request that the outer wire mesh barrier facing the Aso Rock Villa be removed in the meantime, as protesters may decide to visit the Presidential Villa, during the protest”
The group stated that they would occupy the national assets, day and night, for the duration of the protest.
Recall that Nyesom Wike had earlier declared that the FCT would not be available for protesters on August 1. Wike issued this warning during a briefing with journalists following the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
He explained that August 1 has been designated for the Chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT to present certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers.
“That is the day FCT has set aside for the entire area councils to celebrate and honour their traditional rulers. We will not allow anyone to disrupt this significant day,” Wike stated.
The group has also intensified efforts at attracting more Nigerians, especially the youths into its fold, ahead of the protest date.
Damilare Adenola, on his verified Facebook handle, indicated that he was at one of the radio stations in Abuja to drum support for the protest
“Yesterday I was on Aso Radio, Abuja. As one of the organisers of the Abuja #EndBadGovernanceProtest, I was able to reiterate that protest is a constitutional right! I announced that the protest will hold at Eagle Square. We’re exercising our right to demand better lives! Join us!
#DaysOfRage
#RevolutionNow”
On the Xhandke of the #takeItBack, the group ask intending members to “Please fill the google form below if you wish to be a part of the largest community of Human Rights defenders, and Civil Rights Campaigners in Nigeria. forms.gle/kvQCqdqQYDAnnt… . #TakeItBack”
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