The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Gregory Obi, has thrown his weight behind the planned nationwide protest.
Obi made his position on the proposed nationwide protest known after meeting with the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti on Sunday.
The Labour Party leader, however, stated that protesters must carry out the protest within the ambit of the law.
Obi also charged security agencies to be law-abiding and protective of the protesters. He noted that protest is allowed globally.
Recall that some Nigerian youths are planning a nationwide protest slated to being on August 1 through August 10. They will be protesting against the rising cost of living and economic hardship in the country.
Speaking on the proposed protest, Obi said, “Within the Nigerian Constitution, protest is allowed. All I plead is for that those who are protesting, to do so within the law. And done 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.”
Recall that the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier linked Obi to the protest. He had said that Obi’s supporters were planning mayhem in Nigeria.
But Obi had given Onanuga a 72-hour ultimatum to apologize for the allegation. He even vowed to file a defamation libel lawsuit if Onanuga failed to accede to his demand.
Obi through his counsel, Alex Ejesieme, demanded that an open public apology to be published in four national newspapers And as well as on Onanuga’s verified X handle #aonanuga1956.
His counsel had described the allegation as a “calculated plot” to demean and embarrass his client. “Causing significant harm to his reputation and emotional well-being,” Ejesieme stated.
He noted that the allegation went viral on social and mainstream media, maligning Obi’s hard-earned reputation.
Ejesieme stressed that Obi abhors violence and has a long record of law-abiding and constructive engagement in private and public life.
On his part, Onanuga refused to apologize, daring to meet Obi in court.
This is the first time Obi would publicly make his stance about the nationwide protest known.
source: Daily Trust
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