The Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate for 2023, Peter Obi, has expressed his support on Sunday for the nationwide protest scheduled for August.
Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution permits protests as a fundamental right of citizens.
However, he cautioned against violence, stressing that demonstrations should be conducted within the bounds of the law.
Obi pointed to hunger and hopelessness among the youth as the driving forces behind the protest, urging Nigerian authorities to engage with and listen to the protesters.
“In Nigerian Constitution, protest is allowed,” Obi told Channels Television during a courtesy visit to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
“All I plea for those who are protesting is to do so within the law and in a civil manner that allows us as a nation to show that we live within the law.”
Acknowledging that things are difficult in the country, he said: “We all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through and I thank our governor (Alex Otti) for doing so. It is important.”
Nothing Wrong
For Obi, there is nothing wrong with people engaging in protests.
The LP leader mentioned that people protest even at his house, though he did not specify who these individuals are or the nature of the protests.
He called on security agencies to provide protection for the protesters and urged them to operate within the bounds of the law.
“What I will say to security agencies is that they manage the situation again within the law. We should not strive to be overbearing.
“There is nothing wrong (with protesting). Protest is allowed everywhere globally. I also say (that) people protest in my house. It is for us to listen to those who are protesting.
“Why are they protesting? Engage them, that is what governance is all about. You talk with them, there is nothing wrong in that,” he added.