Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has clarified that the true sponsors of the nationwide protest planned for August 1 are “hunger, unemployment, inflation, corruption,” among other societal issues.
During an interview at the installation ceremony of Rotract Prof. Nkemdili Nnonyelu as the 8th District Governor of Rotary International, District 9142, held at the International Conference Centre, Awka, Obi explained that these pressing problems are the driving forces behind the protests.
He dismissed claims by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, that he was one of the protest’s instigators. Instead, Obi personified the protest’s sponsors, listing them as Mr. Hunger, Mr. Unemployment, Mr. Inflation, Mr. Corruption, Mr. Poverty, Mr. Looting, and Mr. Unaccountability.
Obi advised Nigerians against influencing or dictating to the youth on their actions, emphasizing that while the youth should freely express their views and pursue their goals, their actions must remain within the law. He urged the youth to be peaceful and organized, stressing that constructive engagement is crucial for meaningful change.
Highlighting the importance of youth being well-informed about their rights and responsibilities, Obi encouraged the use of constitutional means to voice concerns. He also called on older generations and leaders to listen to the youth and support their endeavors, pointing out that young people are often most affected by poor leadership.
Addressing comments from former LP presidential campaign spokesman Kenneth Okonkwo, who accused him of being weak in controlling the Labour Party, Obi acknowledged that he has often been perceived as “weak” throughout his political career.
However, he remains 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 concluded.
