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ABUJA RESIDENTS SHOUT ‘WE’RE HUNGRY’ AMID WIKE’S PLEA TO SHUN PROTESTS
Amid chants of ‘We are hungry! We are hungry!’ from frustrated residents of the Federal Capital Territory, its minister, Nyesom Wike made a desperate appeal to discourage participation in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
The protests scheduled to hold from August 1-10 are fuelled by severe economic difficulties and soaring living costs.
“Hey. Hey, calm down,” Wike urged the crowd, struggling to address their concerns. “A hungry man does not have time to waste. Hungry man no get time to waste, I de beg una (An hungry man does not have time to waste, I beg you).”
Wike said the hunger and hardship residents face preceded President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “The hunger has been there since before now. Hunger? The hunger dey no be today (The hunger has been there before now; it did not start now),” he said.
Expressing empathy, he said, “I know what you are passing through. I’m just begging you people that things will get better. Now I will sacrifice what will make things get better.”
He reassured the residents of his dedication to improving the situation.
“If this government will not do well, you will not see me here. You will not see me.”
Wike expressed his belief in President Tinubu’s leadership and the need for patience.
“I know say the person wey be president fit do am. Na him make me take this appointment. So what I’m trying to say is just go and get some more patience (I know the president can do the job. Have more patience).”
Encouraging hope, he said, “After all, una don lose hope before. So nothing will happen. But try to put hope, which means hope dey come back (After all, you have lost hope before so nothing worse can happen. So try to have hope now).”
He reiterated his confidence in the current administration’s ability to alleviate hunger.
“I believe in Tinubu’s administration. I also believe things will go well. The hunger will reduce soon. This hunger go reduce very soon (The hunger will be alleviated soon).”
Wike therefore asked for understanding regarding government’s policies.
“You people should not be angry with the new policies put in place. Make una no vex for this new government policy.”Wike’s impassioned plea highlights the deep economic distress in Nigeria and the critical need for effective measures to address citizens’ grievances.
