The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi has declared his support for the planned nationwide protest slated for August 1.
He spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to Alex Otti, the governor of Abia, at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa south LGA.
Obi stated that hunger and hopelessness among youths are the “sponsors” of the proposed demonstration.
The former Anambra state governor said there is nothing wrong in protesting provided it is done within the ambit of the law.
“In 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,” Obi said.
“When they talk about sponsors of protest, I say the sponsors are very simple. It is hunger and hopelessness among the youth. We have to listen to what Nigerians are going through.
“Security agents should manage the situation within the law, they should not try to be overbearing.
“It should be done within the law. Protest is allowed everywhere, globally.”
The politician also urged the federal government to engage and listen to the protesters, noting that there is nothing wrong in the planned protest.
The demonstration, tagged ’10 Days of Rage’, is to protest against the economic hardship in Nigeria.
The federal and state governments, including President Bola Tinubu, have pleaded with the youths to drop the proposed protest.
Security agencies expressed concern that the protest will be hijacked by some elements planning to wrought violence.