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Organizers Insist on Using Eagle Square for Hunger Protest Despite Minister’s Conditions

Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 29, 2024

News Views: 262

The Take It Back Movement has firmly stated that there is no stopping them from using Eagle Square for their planned hunger protest, despite objections from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The protest is scheduled to take place on August 1.

In a formal request, the group, led by Director of Mobilization Damilare Adenola, had asked Wike for permission to use the facility, along with a demand for security, a 24-hour power supply, water, and toilet facilities for the demonstrators. However, Wike has stated that any group wishing to use Eagle Square must apply properly and cover security costs.

During a Town Hall Meeting held at the Federal Capital Development Authority Conference Room in Abuja, Wike criticized the group for applying only through social media and television, rather than through formal channels. He emphasized that the organizers must follow the appropriate procedures and pay the necessary fees.

In response, Adenola insisted that the protest will proceed as planned on August 1, accusing Wike of being insincere about the receipt of their formal request. Adenola attributed the delay in the letter’s delivery to bureaucratic issues and warned that if Wike claims not to have received the letter, it was still served through publication.

Adenola argued that Eagle Square is public property and questioned why the minister expects impoverished youths to pay high fees for its use. He also claimed that the group’s bank account was blocked by UBA on the orders of the Department of State Services (DSS), further complicating their preparations.

“The account of the TIB was arbitrarily blocked by UBA, allegedly on the orders of the DSS,” Adenola said. “We are still waiting for a response from the bank regarding our letters.”

Despite these challenges, Adenola remains resolute that the protest will take place at Eagle Square as scheduled.