Nyesom Wike Visits President Tinubu Amid Nationwide Protests

As protests erupted across the nation on Thursday, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, was spotted at the Presidential Villa in Abuja later in the afternoon.

At minutes past 04:00 pm local time, the former Rivers State Governor alighted from a black Toyota Prado Sports Utility Vehicle and was ushered into the President’s office.

Though the topic of their discussion remains unknown as of this report, it is most likely connected to the ongoing protests in the nation’s capital.

However, Wike did not brief journalists after the meeting.

Amid the nationwide protests which began on August 1, the FCT saw massive demonstrations from crowds who thronged the central business district and suburbs as security officials fired tear gas to disperse protesters.

It was observed that persons believed to be thugs wielding sticks and throwing stones at motorists within the Abuja metropolis.

There was a heavy security presence at Eagles Square, the proposed rendezvous point for the protest as armed personnel barricaded the route leading to the Presidential Villa.

The protest, tagged #EndBadGovernance, has gained traction on social media and was scheduled to occur in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Africa’s most populous country is facing what has been described as its worst economic headwinds in a generation.

Upon assuming office 14 months ago, President Bola Tinubu announced an end to petrol subsidies, which, he said, would save the government monies for infrastructural expansion. He also unified the foreign exchange rates, which he argued would curb currency arbitrage.

However, these policies sparked a collateral slump in the value of the naira as food prices soared. More so, widespread insecurity in many farming communities has displaced farmers, contributing to higher food prices.

The protest follows similar demonstrations in Kenya, from which experts say Nigerians may have drawn inspiration.