Former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in last year’s general elections, Peter Obi, has thrown his weight behind the planned nationwide protest over the current economic hardship.
Speaking on Sunday after a meeting with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Obi emphasized that protesters must carry out their actions within the ambit of the law.
He also urged security agencies to remain law-abiding, stating that protest is a globally recognized right.
“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.”
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had linked Obi to the protest, alleging that Obi’s supporters were planning mayhem in Nigeria.
In response, Obi issued Onanuga a 72-hour ultimatum to apologize, warning that he would file a defamation libel lawsuit if Onanuga failed to meet his demand.
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