The Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has expressed his support for the nationwide protest set to commence in August.
In a statement on Sunday, Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution permits peaceful protests, which he views as a fundamental right of the citizens.
However, Obi cautioned that such demonstrations must be conducted within the boundaries of the law to prevent violence. “In the Nigerian Constitution, protest is allowed,” Obi stated during a 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.”
He attributed the planned protests to widespread hunger and a sense of hopelessness among the youth, urging the Nigerian authorities to listen to the grievances of the protesters. “We all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through,” he said, acknowledging the current difficulties in the country.
READ ALSO: Obi Lacks Ability to Secure Mandate Even With Votes, Okonkwo Says as He Leaves Labour Party
Obi stressed that there is nothing wrong with protesting, sharing that people even protest at his house, though he did not specify the nature of these protests.
He urged security agencies to provide protection for the protesters and to manage the situation lawfully. “What I will say to security agencies is that they manage the situation again within the law. We should not strive to be overbearing.
Protest is allowed everywhere globally,” he added. “Engage them, that is what governance is all about. You talk with them, there is nothing wrong in that.”
