Obi names hunger, inflation, unemployment as protest sponsors

Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has named those sponsoring the nationwide protest planned for August 1 as “hunger, unemployment, inflation, corruption” and others.

The former Anambra State governor listed the names of those behind the protest in an interview with newsmen during the installation ceremony of Rotract. Au. Nkemdili Nnonyelu, a Professor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra state as the 8th District Governor of Rotary International, District 9142, held at the International Conference Centre, Awka over the weekend.

Obi absolved himself as one of the arrowheads behind the nationwide protest plan contrary to claims by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga stated that he never contemplated sponsoring such action.

The LP presidential candidate rather listed the names of the sponsors of the national protest Obi named those sponsoring the protest using personification for the following Philomena: Mr. Hunger, Mr. Unemployment, Mr. Inflation, Mr. Corruption, Mr. Poverty, Mr. Looting, and Mr. Unaccountability, among others.

Obi however advised Nigerians against trying to influence or dictate to the youth what to do.

He also cautioned that while the youth should be free to express their views and pursue their goals, their actions must remain within the bounds of the law. He urged them to be peaceful and organised, stressing that constructive engagement is crucial for effecting meaningful change.

Obi highlighted the need for the youth to be well-informed about their rights and responsibilities as citizens and encouraged them to use constitutional means to voice their concerns.

He further urged older generations and leaders to listen to the youth and support their endeavours, pointing out that young people are often the ones most affected by poor leadership. Obi argued that respecting the youth’s autonomy and providing opportunities to lead and contribute are crucial for the nation’s development, innovation, and progress.

On the comments against him by one of the former LP presidential campaign spokesmen, Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo, wherein the latter accused him of being weak in controlling the Labour Party, among other issues, Obi acknowledged that he has often been viewed as “weak” since the start of his political journey.

However, he stated that such perceptions do not deter him, as he is committed to staying focused, respecting others, and remaining undistracted as long as he believes he is on the right path. “I have never engaged in the politics of ’tissue zombie’ (political brigandage), and I will not start now,” Obi stated.