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As the countdown begins to the August 1st protests, two key figures have added their voices to the growing outcry against the economic hardship gripping Nigeria.
Peter Obi, the Labor Party’s standard-bearer in the last presidential poll, and Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor, have shared their insights on the planned demonstrations, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to the country’s deepening economic woes.
In a joint press briefing after a Sunday breakfast meeting at Otti’s Nvosi residence, Peter Obi and Alex Otti cautioned that any protests against the economic hardship must be conducted lawfully.
The two leaders, who met at Otti’s country home in Isiala Ngwa South LGA, urged Nigerians to exercise their right to protest while respecting the rule of law and maintaining public order.
Governor Otti voiced his misgivings that the forthcoming protests might be seized upon by malevolent entities, possibly complicating the current situation. He mentioned that previous protests had been compromised, and he worried that this one could be similarly undermined, leading to more obstacles than advancements.
Governor Otti counselled the Abia people to exercise restraint and not join the protests, as they might ultimately exacerbate the issues they sought to resolve. He warned that the protests could have unintended consequences, and advised his constituents to put their safety and well-being first.
“Even when you write a letter it is a protest. You can sit down and write a letter of protest, you can call somebody and register your displeasure about what he is doing or how he is running the government. They are all protests and are allowed. But when you now go outside the law and begin to unleash mayhem and violence that is where it is not acceptable”.
Governor Otti noted that those who opt out of the protests are equally entitled to their freedom, as restricting their movement would be unlawful.
He highlighted the importance of balancing the rights of protesters with those who choose not to participate, ensuring that all individuals can exercise their liberties without fear of reprisal.
Read also: Labor Party: Peter Obi Nigeria’s Only Hope For Salvation
The Abia Governor who agreed that there is hunger in the land occasioned by a bad economy, lamented that Nigerians are paying the price for bad governance that started many years ago.
Governor Otti stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to pivot towards a self-sustaining economy, where local production thrives and reliance on imports dwindles. By doing so, the country can unlock its true potential and become a beacon of prosperity in the region.
On his part, Mr Peter Obi said the planned protest was caused by hunger and hopelessness among Nigerians. “On the issue of protest, within the Nigerian constitutions, protest is allowed. All I plead for is for 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”.
“Everybody knows that things are difficult and I always say that when they talk about the sponsors of protest, the sponsors are very simple, it is hunger, it is hopelessness among the youths. So, we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through and I thank our Governor for doing so. It is critical and important”, Mr Obi asserted.
With a focus on finding common ground, Mr. Obi encouraged security forces to adopt a thoughtful and lawful approach to managing the protests, prioritizing peaceful resolution over confrontation.
He also urged the government to establish open communication channels with the protesters, engaging in constructive dialogue to understand their concerns and work towards mutually beneficial solutions.
