Peter Obi Endorses Nationwide Protest, Calls For Lawful And Nonviolent Action

Peter Obi Endorses Nationwide Protest, Calls For Lawful And Nonviolent Action

The Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate for 2023, Peter Obi, has expressed his support for the nationwide protest scheduled for August. Speaking in Abia State on Sunday, Obi emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution permits protests as a right of the citizens. However, he warned that demonstrations must be conducted within the confines of the law to avoid violence.

“In the Nigerian Constitution, protest is allowed,” Obi stated 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.”

Obi attributed the upcoming protest to widespread hunger and hopelessness among the youth, urging Nigerian authorities to engage with and listen to the protesters. “We all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through, and I thank our governor (Alex Otti) for doing so. It is important,” he said.

He further argued that there is nothing inherently wrong with protesting, noting that people even protest at his house. Obi called on security agencies to provide protection for the protesters while operating within legal boundaries. “What I will say to security agencies is that they manage the situation again within the law. We should not strive to be overbearing,” he advised.

Obi stressed the importance of dialogue and engagement in governance. “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.