…throws weight behind planned nationwide protest
. Warns security forces against overzealousness during protest
. Says protest is allowed globally, urges would-be demonstrators to be law-abiding, civil in manner
… identifies hunger, hopelessness as sponsors of protests
Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Sunday, backed the planned nationwide protest over the current economic hardship.
Some youths across the country are planning a nationwide protest between August 1 and 15 against the rising cost of living and economic hardship.
Obi, who gave his endorsement to the planned protests after a meeting with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, however said protesters must carry out their demonstrations within the ambit of the law.
The LP presidential flagbearer also charged security agencies to be law-abiding, stressing that protest is allowed globally.
According to the former Anambra governor, “Within the Nigerian constitution, protest is allowed. All I plead for is that 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. Everybody knows that things are difficult.
“When they talk about sponsors of the protest, I always say the sponsors are very simple. It’s hunger and hopelessness among the youth, so we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through.
“What I will say to the security agencies is that they should ensure they manage the situation again within the law. We should not strive to be over-bearing. It should be something that we will do within the law. There is nothing wrong. Protest is allowed globally. People also 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. There is nothing wrong with that. I was Governor for years and people protested.”
This is the first time Obi would publicly make his stance about the protest known.
Recall that Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had recently linked Obi to the protest, saying his supporters were planning mayhem in Nigeria.
But LP leader had given Onanuga a 72-hour ultimatum to apologise, vowing to file a defamation libel lawsuit if the presidential spokesman failed to accede to his demand.
Obi, through his counsel, Alex Ejesieme, demanded that the public apology be published in four national newspapers as well as Onanuga’s verified X handle #aonanuga1956.
Obi’s lawyers described the allegation as a “calculated plot” to demean and embarrass their client, causing significant harm to his reputation and emotional well-being.
The counsel claimed that Onanuga’s allegation went viral on social and mainstream media, maligning Obi’s hard-earned reputation.
The lawyer stressed that Obi abhors violence and has a long record of law-abiding and constructive engagement in private and public life.
But Onanuga dared Obi, refusing to apologise and saying they should meet in court.
