General News of Monday, 29 July 2024

Peter Obi declares support for nationwide protest; Alex Otti disagrees

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has stated that it is constitutional for Nigerians to protest.

Speaking in an interview with the media, Obi appealed to Nigerian youths to engage in protests within the confines of the law.

He emphasised that the hunger and hardship in the country are responsible for the nationwide protests and security agencies should ensure they manage the situation lawfully.

He said, “In the Nigerian constitution protest is allowed. All I plead of 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 knowns that things are difficult. When they talk about the sponsors of the protest, I say hunger, hopelessness among the youth. So, we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through and I thank our Governor, Alex Otti, for doing so.

To the security agencies, Iet them ensure that they manage the situation within the law. We should not try to be over bearing. Protest is allowed globally. People protest in my house and it is for us to listen to those protesting. Why are they protesting? Engage with them. That is what governance is all about. I was governor and people protested.”

Meanwhile, Alex Otti has advised Abia residents not to participate in the nationwide protest as he fears it may lead to chaos.

He said, “It will be very unfair to say that things are not difficult. Things are difficult, hunger is real and that is true. But how do you solve the problem. The problem we find ourselves in today is economic and we are paying the price for bad governance that didn’t start today.

First of all, to organize a protest, the law requires that you get approval from the security forces, particularly the police. Somebody should take responsibility for getting that approval. If you don’t have the approval than it will be against the law for you to go out on the street to protest. People should think about the implication of pouring out on the street and restricting movement of other people, and possibly inflicting harm and more hardship.

For the people in Abia, my advice is that they should not pour out on the street because it may be more hurtful than the reason for the protest that people are calling for.”