The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has identified the driving force behind the planned nationwide protest on August 1.
In a recent interview during the installation ceremony of Professor Nkemdili Nnonyelu as the 8th District Governor of Rotary International District 9142 at the international conference center, Awka, Obi attributed the protest’s motivation as hunger, unemployment, inflation, and corruption.
Contrary to claims made by the Special Adviser to the President, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, suggesting Obi’s involvement in the protest’s organization, Obi clarified that he is not leading the movement. Instead, he used personification to label the protest’s sponsors as “Mr. Hunger, Mr. Unemployment, Mr. Inflation , Mr. Corruption, Mr. Poverty, Mr. Looting, and Mr. Unaccountability.”
Obi advised Nigerians against attempting to influence or dictate to the youth.
While acknowledging the importance of youth activism, he emphasized that their actions should remain lawful and peaceful.
He urged young people to be well-informed about their rights and responsibilities, advocating for constructive and constitutional means of voicing concerns.
Furthermore, Obi called on older generations and leaders to support the youth, recognizing that young people are often most impacted by poor leadership. He stressed that respecting youth autonomy and providing opportunities for their leadership are vital for the nation’s advancement.
Responding to criticism from former LP spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo, who labeled him as “weak” in managing the party, Obi admitted that such perceptions have persisted throughout his political career. Nevertheless, he remains steadfast in his commitment to integrity and non-violence in politics, stating, “I have never engaged in the politics of ’tissue zombie’ (political brigandage), and I will not start now.”
