ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, on Sunday expressed his support for the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to 10, 2024.
According to him, the Nigerian Constitution gives room for protest as it is the right of citizens, adding that there is nothing wrong with people engaging in protest.
However, Obi warned against violence, noting that such demonstrations should be done within the confines of the law.
Channels Television reports that he identified hopelessness and hunger, among the youths as the sponsors of the protest.
READ ALSO: “E No Go Work” – Joe Igbokwe Rejects Plan For Anti-Govt Protest In Lagos
Obi therefore, urged the Nigerian authorities to engage and give a listing listening ear to the protesters.
He said, “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.”
He also, 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.