Peter Obi supports Aug. 1 nationwide protest, insists it must be non-violent

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, in the last general elections, has expressed his support, on Sunday, for the nationwide protest scheduled for August, saying protest is allowed in the country’s constitution.
According to Mr. Obi, the Nigerian Constitution allows room for protest as it is the right of citizens.
The former Anambra state governor, however, warned protesters to shun violence, saying such demonstrations tagged #EndBadGovernance should be done within the confines of the law.

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Mr. Obi, while speaking to journalists during a courtesy visit Governor Alex Otti of Abia State at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area, identified hunger, and hopelessness among the youths as the sponsors of the protest, calling on the Nigerian authorities to engage and give a listing listening ear to the protesters.
“In Nigerian Constitution, protest is allowed.
“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.

“We all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through and I thank our governor (Alex Otti) for doing so. It is important,” Obi added, acknowledging that things are difficult in the country,: Obi said.
Continuing, the LP presidential candidate in 2023 called on security agencies to provide cover for the protesters, urging them to operate within the ambit of the law.

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“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.

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