Hardship protest: Peter Obi, Gov Otti Speak

The Labour Party’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 Presidential election, Peter Obi and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti have expressed their views about the planned hardship protests by Nigerians beginning on August 1st.

According to our correspondent , the two leaders, who spoke to the press following a breakfast meeting at Otti’s country residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, on Sunday, stated that such protests must be conducted legally.

Governor Otti expressed concern that the protests could be hijacked by unpatriotic groups to cause greater issues than the original reason for the protests, saying, “We have seen protests hijacked.” My fear is that this one will similarly be hijacked.”

He warned Abia residents not to participate in the protests because he believes it will be more harmful than the causes for the protests.

“Even writing a letter is a protest. You can sit down and write a letter of protest, or you can phone someone to express your discontent with what he is doing or how he is running the country. All of them are legitimate demonstrations. But when you break the law and start causing havoc and violence, it is not acceptable.”

Governor Otti noted that individuals who did not participate in the protest are still entitled to their freedom, as it is against the law to deny them that.

The Abia Governor, who acknowledged that there is hunger in the land due to a bad economy, bemoaned that Nigerians are paying the price for bad administration that began many years ago.

Governor Otti stressed Nigeria’s need to transform to a more productive economy and import less of what it consumes.

Mr Peter Obi, for his part, said the planned protest was motivated by hunger and pessimism among Nigerians. “Protest is legal under Nigerian constitutions. All I ask is that people who are demonstrating do it inside the law and in a civil manner, allowing us as a society to demonstrate that we follow the law.”

“Everyone is aware that circumstances are bad, and I usually say that when it comes to protest sponsors, the sponsors are pretty simple: hunger and hopelessness among young people. So, we all need to listen to what Nigerians are going through, and I applaud our Governor for doing so. “It is critical and important,” Mr Obi stated.

Mr Obi urged security agencies to control protests in accordance with the law and recommended the government to engage with protestors and communicate with them in order to address the root causes of the disturbances.