The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 electon, Peter Obi, has expressed support for organized and peaceful protests aimed at holding Nigerian leaders accountable.
He emphasized that such protests must be driven by reason, not personal interest.
Obi’s comments come amid ongoing demonstrations in Kenya against a controversial tax bill, which have resulted in over 20 deaths.
The former Anambra governor stressed that while he opposes riots and property destruction, peaceful protests can be an effective means of promoting change, according to Peoples Gazette.
Obi also highlighted the importance of addressing leadership issues, noting that Nigerians often blame government agencies for the country’s problems, but poor leadership is the root cause.
He advocated for a more strategic approach to protests, focusing on the root causes of the country’s challenges.
This statement aligns with Obi’s commitment to promoting good governance and accountability in Nigeria.
When asked if Nigerians were docile despite economic hardship compared to Kenyans who opposed the bill raising taxes, Mr Obi said, “I’m against riots. I’m against destruction of government property. Because that is the same scarce resource we will use to repair them.”
Mr Obi added, “I’m not against peaceful protest. But it must be for reason and not for interest. Often times here you see protests being to satisfy particular interest. It must be properly articulated and properly directed,” Mr Obi said.
“I recall when people were saying they were protesting against police or any other organisation of the government. I said to them, no. If we have good leadership, their agents can’t be bad. But what happened here is, Nigerians say, our problem is police, our problem is EFCC, our problem is ICPC, our problem is army. No.
“The problem is leadership. If leaders are competent, have capacity and doing the right the agents will fall in line. That is what want. I want to see these things that are properly organised.”
