In a recent discussion on Channels TV, Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, emphasized that protests are a fundamental right of citizens and urged the government to address the concerns driving the planned demonstration. Obi attributed the planned protest to widespread hunger exacerbated by current government policies.
Governor Alex Otti, who also appeared on the program, took a different stance. While acknowledging the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, Otti argued that protests are not the ideal solution. He stressed that the current hardship stems from long-standing governance issues and highlighted the legal requirement for securing police approval before organizing a protest.
Otti cautioned against street protests, suggesting they could inadvertently worsen the situation by disrupting daily life and causing additional hardship. He advised Abians to consider the potential negative impacts before joining any protests.
In response to the contrasting views, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka criticized Peter Obi, labeling him as a “restless election loser” and suggesting that Obi’s call for protests is an attempt to achieve what he failed to win through elections. Morka defended Governor Otti, praising him as a principled leader and dismissing Obi’s protest strategy as misguided.
Morka’s comments on his X handle read: “As Peter Obi incites a planned protest, Gov. Alex Otti rejects it, showcasing the stark contrast between a restless election loser and a dedicated leader. It’s misguided to think you can win on the streets what you lost at the polls.”
