Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, voiced his support for the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for August. Obi emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution upholds the right of citizens to protest, urging that such actions be conducted peacefully and within the bounds of the law.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Abia State Governor Alex Otti at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area, Obi highlighted the current socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians, particularly hunger and a sense of hopelessness among the youth, as the main drivers behind the planned protests.
“In the Nigerian Constitution, protest is allowed,” Obi stated, reinforcing the legitimacy of public demonstrations. He further urged the protesters 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.”
Obi stressed the importance of government engagement with the protesters, advocating for a dialogue-based approach to address the issues at hand. He acknowledged the difficult circumstances many Nigerians are facing, saying, “We all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through and I thank our governor (Alex Otti) for doing so. It is important.”
The former Anambra State Governor also called on security agencies to respect the rights of demonstrators and to ensure the safety of all participants. He advised law enforcement to manage the situation without resorting to excessive force, stating, “What I will say to security agencies is that they manage the situation again within the law. We should not strive to be overbearing.”
Reiterating the global acceptance of protest as a form of expression, Obi remarked, “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.”
Obi’s call for peaceful and lawful protest underscores his commitment to democratic principles and the importance of addressing the grievances of the citizenry through constructive engagement.
