The planned 10-day protests from August 1 to August 10, 2024, are still generating reactions across the country.
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s call on the protest organizers to put down their weapons and embrace dialogue, the mobilization is intensifying, especially on social media.
The organizers are determined to take to the streets to air their grievances over the prevailing economic hardships and other challenges facing the country.
Obi and Otti are at odds over the planned protest.
Speaking to Channels Television during a courtesy visit to Otti at his country residence in Nvosi, South Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area, last weekend, Obi declared his support for the planned protest.
The former Anambra State governor noted that the Nigerian Constitution allows for protests as it is a citizen’s right.
He, however, cautioned potential participants against violence, warning that such protests should be conducted within the law.
Obi highlighted hunger and desperation among the youth as the triggers for the protest, urging Nigerian authorities to listen and lend a sympathetic ear to the protesters.
“In the Nigerian Constitution, protest is allowed,” he said, adding, “All I ask of those who are protesting is to do it within the law and in a civilized manner, thereby allowing our nation to show that we live within the law.”
Acknowledging that things are difficult in the country, Obi said, “We all need to listen to what Nigerians are going through and I thank our governor (Alex Otti) for doing that. It is important.” »
Otti, who stood alongside Obi during the interview, expressed a view contrary to that of his political leader.
The governor warned that the protests could lead to violence and called on disgruntled citizens to use other means to engage with the government.