The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has labeled the upcoming nationwide protest set to commence on August 1, 2024, as a political maneuver aimed at gaining publicity. He made this statement on Tuesday during a media briefing after inspecting the Apo-Karshi Road project, a contract first awarded in 2011.
Reports indicate that a segment of the Nigerian populace is rallying online to organize protests under the banners #TinubuMustGo and #Revolution2024, driven by widespread economic hardships. The Minister urged citizens to exercise patience, emphasizing that the current administration has only been in power for a year and is addressing numerous systemic issues.
Highlighting the challenges faced, he stated, “This country has faced significant decay, and a new government is striving to initiate change. Expecting immediate results as if a miracle can be performed within a year is unrealistic.”
He further remarked on the length of time the Apo-Karshi Road project has remained unaddressed, arguing that the disillusionment and economic grievances should not overshadow the administration’s efforts to resolve these longstanding issues. The Minister criticized the planned protests as politically motivated actions orchestrated by opportunists looking to enhance their profiles ahead of the 2027 elections.
“While acknowledging the hardships of hunger and unemployment, it is crucial to understand that these issues did not originate with this administration. We are working diligently to address them, but change requires time,” he stated, urging the public to remain cautious of political agendas disguised as protests.
Additionally, he expressed concern over the delays in the Apo-Karshi Road project, attributing part of the problem to political interference and inadequate contractor capacity. The Minister committed to evaluating contractor performance and expects substantial progress within the next six to seven months, contingent upon their demonstrated capability.
“It is unacceptable that these roads have been neglected for 13 years. We must eliminate the politicization of development projects to facilitate faster progress for our communities. I expect to see concrete action and resources from contractors in the coming weeks,” he concluded.
