THE Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has charged those agitating for the anticipated August nationwide protests and the security agencies to endeavor to act within the bounds of the law.
In what is interpreted as his first public support for the protests, Obi said that protest is a global phenomenon and urged the government to dialogue with the protesters.
At the weekend in Abia State, after a meeting with the state governor Alex Otti, Obi said: “Within the Nigerian constitution, protest is allowed. All I plead for is that those who are protesting should 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.”
In showing support for the planned protests over the current economic hardship, Obi dismissed insinuations regarding the motive of the sponsors of the protest, noting that 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.
“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.
“There is nothing wrong. Protest is allowed globally. People also protest in my house.”
According to him, the security agencies should ensure they manage the situation within the law, and “they should not strive to be over-bearing. It should be something that they will do within the law.”
Hitherto, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had claimed that Obi and his supporters were planning the nationwide protest to disrupt the peace.
Obi’s counsel, Alex Ejesieme, had demanded that Onanuga issue an apology published in four national newspapers as well as Onanuga’s verified X handle #aonanuga1956.
Obi had also vowed to file a suit in the court if Onanuga failed to tender the apology.
Ejesieme described Onanuga’s claims, which went viral in the media, as a “calculated plot” to embarrass Obi, cause his reputation and emotional well being significant harm.
He stressed that Obi has a record of being law-abiding in private and public life.
