Group requests Wike to grant Eagle Square for protest

A group under the aegis of the Take It Back movement has requested the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to grant them the use of Eagle Square for the proposed #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled from August 1 to August 10.

The group made this disclosure in a letter written and signed by its Director of Mobilisation, Damilare Adenola, to Wike on Friday.

They highlighted demands, including the provision of a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of Nigerian citizens who would be camped out at the location.

The statement titled, ‘Request for use of Eagle Square Abuja for #EndBadGovernance protest,’ read, “As one of the groups organizing the forthcoming #EndBadGovernance protest, #DaysOfRage starting from August 1st to 10th, 2024, we at the Take It Back Movement write to your esteemed office to notify you of our decision to use Eagle Square as a point of convergence for patriotic Nigerians to demand better governance.

“This request entails using this national asset day and night for the duration of the historic protest. Also, note that the protest may be prolonged beyond ten days as we embark on resolving the protracted national crisis occasioned by the ruling party.

“Further, your office 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 out at Eagle Square.”

The group further requested the honour and courtesy accorded to foreign and local dignitaries who had used the space for the protesters while appealing for the removal of the outer wire mesh barrier facing the Aso Rock Villa for easy access to the Presidential Villa during the protest.

Meanwhile, ahead of the proposed protest, the FCT police have deployed 4,200 policemen throughout the nation’s capital.

The command also announced the deployment of explosive ordnance device experts at various strategic locations.

In a statement on Friday by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the command said the deployment was to ensure public safety and protection of protesters and to prevent the protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.

She added that, in collaboration with sister security agencies, raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, and stop-and-search operations would take place.