From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has revealed those behind the planned August 1 protest in the country, even as he advised Nigerians against trying to influence or dictate to the youths what to do.
Obi made these remarks while speaking to the press during the installation ceremony of Nkemdili Nnonyelu as the 8th District Governor of Rotary International, District 9142, held at the Awka International Conference Centre over the weekend.
When asked if he was part of those sponsoring the protest as alleged, Obi stated that he did not at any time contemplate sponsoring such action, let alone implementing it.
Obi named those sponsoring the protest to include hunger, unemployment, inflation, corruption, poverty, looting, and unaccountability, among others.
“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.”
However, Obi cautioned that while the youths should be free to express their views and pursue their goals, their actions must remain within the bounds of the law.
He urged them to be peaceful and organised in their activities, stressing that constructive engagement was crucial for effecting meaningful change. Obi highlighted the need for the youths to be well-informed about their rights and responsibilities as citizens, encouraging them to use constitutional means to voice their concerns.
“Protest is allowed within the Nigerian Constitution. All I plead is 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.
He also urged older generations and leaders to listen to the youths and support their endeavours, pointing out that young people were often the ones most affected by poor leadership. Obi argued that respecting the youths’ autonomy and providing them with opportunities to lead and contribute were crucial for the nation’s development, innovation, and progress.