Amnesty International has condemned recent statements made by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that the “FCT is not available for protesters.”

In a statement on Friday, the human rights organisation “condemns the reckless and misguided statements attributed to Mr Wike,” who was quoted by the media as saying, “FCT is not available for protesters.”

It added, “peaceful assembly in the FCT is a fundamental human right that must be respected.”

The organisation expressed serious concern over the increasing tendency of government officials to undermine the legitimacy of peaceful protests through veiled threats and misleading insinuations.

“We note with concern the recent disturbing trend of veiled threats laced with false insinuations aimed at delegitimising peaceful protesters and protests. Harmful rhetoric from government officials must not be used to justify the violation of human rights,” Amnesty International said.

In pushback against August 1 nationwide protests addressing heightened economic challenges, Mr Wike had said the FCT is not available for protests because the same day has been fixed to celebrate traditional rulers in the FCT.

“That day (August 1) is not available for those who want to protest, and the FCT is not available for the protesters,” Mr Wike said in a press briefing on Thursday.

He added, “That is the day the FCT has set aside for the entire area councils to jubilate, to give out certificates of recognition for their traditional rulers. We will not allow that day, which the FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers for their people to rejoice, to be disrupted by protests. We will not allow it.”

Mr Wike’s stern warning comes as citizens mobilise for nationwide demonstrations due to economic hardships worsened by soaring food prices under Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Leading up to Mr Wike’s announcement, the Oba of Benin and several clerics had advised youth against participating in the protests, while security agencies continued to detain citizens supporting or organising such activities.

Since the protests were announced to be held on August 1, the Nigerian government has initiated measures, including rice distribution and raising the minimum wage to N70,000, aiming to pacify public discontent amid soaring food prices exacerbated by economic policies under scrutiny.