Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has charged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to dialogue with the proponents of the planned August 1 nationwide protest.
He, however, added that it is the constitutional right of Nigerians to protest, saying such protest must be peacefully done according to the law.
The former Anambra State governor stated this on Sunday after a meeting with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
Nigerian youths are planning a nationwide protest between August 1 and 15 against the rising cost of living and economic hardship in the country.
He also charged security agencies to be law-abiding, saying protest is allowed globally.
He said, “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.
“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.”
