Peter Obi, the Labour Party's (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has voiced his support for the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for August 1. In a statement made after a courtesy visit to Abia State Governor Alex Otti on Sunday, July 28, Obi emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest.
Obi highlighted that while protests are constitutionally protected, they should be conducted lawfully and peacefully. He cautioned against violence, urging participants to ensure their demonstrations remain within legal boundaries.
Addressing the root causes of the protest, Obi pointed to widespread hunger and a sense of hopelessness among Nigerian youths as key factors driving the nationwide mobilization. He called on Nigerian authorities to actively listen to the grievances of the protesters and engage in meaningful dialogue.
“The Nigerian Constitution permits protest, and my plea to those taking part is to adhere to the law and conduct themselves civilly, allowing us to demonstrate our respect for legal frameworks,” Obi said. He acknowledged the current hardships faced by Nigerians and praised Governor Otti for his responsiveness to these challenges.
Obi also touched on the importance of understanding and addressing the reasons behind protests, stressing that governance involves engaging with the public and acknowledging their concerns. He urged security agencies to manage the situation with care, ensuring they do not become overbearing.
In his remarks, Obi reiterated the global acceptance of protest as a legitimate form of expression and highlighted the importance of listening to and engaging with the populace.
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