The 2023 election Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stated that protest is allowed within the Nigerian Constitution.
Obi made this known as the nation gears up for a nationwide protest scheduled by some Nigerian youths to hold between August 1 and 10 over the current economic situation in the country.
Speaking during an interview with Channels TV after a visit to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Sunday, the former Governor of Anambra State urged intending protesters to demonstrate in a civil manner.
Peter Obi stated that ‘hunger and hopelessness’ in the land are the sponsors of the August protest.
He said, “Protest is allowed within the Nigerian Constitution. All I plead for all of those who are protesting 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 knows that things are difficult, when they talk about the sponsors of the protest, I say the sponsors are very simple, is hunger, and hopelessness among the youths. So we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through.”
Speaking further, Peter Obi urged security agencies to manage the situation within the law and avoid overbearing.
He added, “On security agencies, I will tell them to ensure that they manage the situation within the law. We should not try to be overbearing. Protest oa allowed everywhere globally. Listen to the reason why people are protesting, engage and talk with them, that is what governance is all about.”