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 Anambra State Governor, said the Nigerian Constitution allows room for protest as it is the right of citizens.
He, however, warned against violence, saying such demonstrations should be done within the confines of the law.
Obi identified hunger, and hopelessness among the youths as the sponsors of the protest, calling on the Nigerian authorities to engage 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.”
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 protest.
READ ALSO :You Can’t drag Peter Obi to be like them – Obidients
The LP chief argued that people do protest in his house, but did not identify who the people are to specify the manner of protest.
He called on security agencies to provide cover for the protesters, urging them to operate within the ambit 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.
Meanwhile… Alex Otti thinks otherwise… He’s doesn’t think Protest is necessary..
Aisha Yesufu replies him..
“Dear Alex Otti @alexottiofr
Citizens do not need approval from security agencies to protest. What they need to do is notify the security agencies 48 hours before the protest so that the security agencies will have adequate time to prepare and protect the protesters.
READ ALSO : Obi bemoans Nigeria’s economic decline, calls for ethical leadership
Secondly, your citizens in Abia State coming out to protest means they believe in you and want to air their grievances to you and what you should do like Mr Peter Obi @PeterObi standing beside you said is to meet with them and dialogue with them.
Protesters do not cause harm. It is security agencies used by Governors or Presidents that cause harm and organize thugs to attack protesters and attack properties.
If you don’t behave like @jidesanwoolu of Lagos State in 2020 and call in security agencies to attack peaceful protesters there wouldn’t be any harming happening.
My advice to you would be
1) As Chief Security Officer of your state, ask all security agencies to ensure protection of the protesters
2) Meet with the protesters, get their demands and then ask all to proffer solutions.
3) The things that are in your power to solve, take responsibility and give timeline of what you will do and when. The things for FG headed by the illegitimate president, collect and pass onto them there.
4) Keep working for your people as you have always done but don’t stifle their voices. Protest is opportunity for you to hear what your aggrieved citizens feel and not what your aides or supporters want you to hear.
5) When you solve the problems of your aggrieved citizens, you are the one that will still shine and take the spotlight…
Watch video : https://x.com/PeterObiUSA/status/1817544397015118097?t=sYNmuJoqRObZhCHhzwahHw&s=19
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