Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has expressed his support for the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.
Obi made his remarks during a visit to Alex Otti, the governor of Abia, at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA.
The former governor of Anambra stated that hunger and hopelessness among youths are the “sponsors” of the planned protest, urging Nigerian authorities to listen attentively to the protesters.
He cautioned against violence, emphasizing that such demonstrations should be conducted within the confines of the law.
“In the Nigerian Constitution, protest is allowed,” Obi told Channels Television during his courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
“All I plead is that those who are protesting do so within the law and in a civil manner, allowing us as a nation to demonstrate our commitment to legal principles.”
Acknowledging the difficulties faced by the country, he said, “We all need to listen to what Nigerians are going through, and I thank our governor, Alex Otti, for doing so. It is crucial.”
For Obi, there is nothing wrong with people engaging in protest.
The LP chief contended that people protest even in his own home, though he did not specify who those people are or the nature of their protests.
He called on security agencies to provide protection for the protesters, urging them to operate within the bounds of the law.
“What I would say to security agencies is to manage the situation firmly but fairly, without being overbearing.
“There is nothing wrong with protesting. Protest is permitted everywhere globally. I also note that people protest in my home. It is essential for us to listen to those who are protesting.
“Why are they protesting? Engage with them; that is what governance is all about. You talk with them; there is nothing wrong in that,” he added.
