Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in last year’s general elections, Peter Obi, has listed those allegedly behind the planned nationwide protest against widespread hunger plaguing common man currently in Nigeria.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had levelled allegation of sponsoring the planned protest at some opposition leaders including Obi and Professor Pat Utomi, a charge both denied with Utomi threatening to slam libel suit on the Presidential aide and his principal.
Speaking on Sunday after a meeting with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Obi, lent his voice to the protest, saying, “Within the Nigerian constitution, protest is allowed. All I plead for is that 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 knows that things are difficult.”
Speaking on the controversy behind the sponsors: “When they talk about sponsors of the protest, I always say the sponsors are very simple. It’s hunger and hopelessness among the youth, so we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through.
“What I will say to the security agencies is that they should ensure they manage the situation again within the law. We should not strive to be over-bearing. It should be something that we will do within the law. There is nothing wrong. Protest is allowed globally. People also protest in my house.
“It is for us to listen to those who are protesting. Why are they protesting? Engage them. That is what governance is all about. There is nothing wrong with that. I was Governor for years and people protested.”
