Obi backs planned protest, says hunger, hopelessness are sponsors

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has expressed support for the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.

Obi spoke when he visited Alex Otti, the governor of Abia, at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa south LGA.

The former governor of Anambra said hunger and hopelessness among youths are the “sponsors” of the planned protest.

Obi said there is nothing wrong in protesting if 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.”

Obi asked the federal government to engage and listen to the protesters, adding that there is nothing wrong in the planned demonstration.

The demonstration, dubbed ’10 Days of Rage’, is to protest against the economic hardship in the country.

The federal and state governments, including President Bola Tinubu, have appealed to the youths to shelve the planned protest.

Security agencies said the protest will be hijacked by some elements planning to perpetuate violence.