Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate for 2023, Peter Obi, has communicated his support for the nationwide protest scheduled for August.
Obi, the former Anambra State Lead Representative, said the Nigerian Constitution permits protest as it is the right of citizens.
He, notwithstanding, cautioned against violence, saying such demonstrations ought to be done within the limits of the law.
Obi cited hunger, and hopelessness among the youths as the sponsors of the protest, calling on the Nigerian authorities to draw in and give a listing listening ear 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.”
Recognizing that things are challenging in the nation, 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.”
For Obi, nothing bad can really be said about individuals participating in protest.
He called on security operatives to provide cover for the protesters, encouraging them to operate within the confines 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.
