- By Halimah Olamide
-As Gov Otti Says Protests May Lead to More Problems
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has told President Bola Tinubu administration not to look too far in discovering the real sponsors of the impending nationwide protests.
Obi said hunger and hopelessness for the youths are the main sponsors just as he advised the governmet to listen to those who are angry with the system.
Obi, who spoke at the Government House Umuahia during a meeting where he and the Governor Alex Otti spoke on the proposed protests, said he also does not encourage any protests that could lead to breakdown of law and order.
“Within the Nigerian constitution, protest is allowed. All I plead for those who are protesting is that they should do so within the law. and in a civil manner that allows us to show that we are a nation that live within the law.” Obi said while speaking with journalists
He said everyone knows that things have become very difficult for Nigerians adding that those looking for sponsors of protests need not go too far.
“When they talk about sponsors of the protests, I say the sponsors are very simple. It is hunger. It’s hopelessness among the youths. So, we all have to listen. to know what Nigerians are going through.” he added
He also advised the security agencies to manage the protests within the provisions of the law adding that it is the right of Nigerians to register their opinions.
“We should not try to be overbearing,” he advised.
Also speaking, Otti said he would discourage people from coming out if there are no approvals from the relevant security agencies.
Otti said it is unfair to say things are not difficult noting that Nigerians are paying the price for bad governance that did not start with the present administration.
“People should think about the implications about pouring out on the streets and restricting movements of other people and possibly inflicting harms and more hardship on the people.
The governor said he would not want Abia people to join the protests because the outcome might be more hurtful than the reason for the protests itself.