Nigerian Minister Slams Peter Obi, Urges Youth to Avoid Planned Protests
In a strongly worded statement, Nigerian Minister of Works David Umahi has lambasted Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, saying he is not the mouthpiece for the Igbo people. Umahi made the remarks during the Ebonyi State Youth and Stakeholders Summit held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki.
According to Umahi, Obi should refrain from allegedly inciting the youth of the South-East against the administration of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the planned August 1 protest. The minister emphasized that Obi does not speak for the Igbo people, and that their governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo, and traditional rulers are their leaders.
Umahi also urged Obi to reconsider his stance and avoid inciting uninformed youths against the rule of law and endangering the peace of the nation. He warned that protests do not produce results and that constructive engagement with the government is the best way to address grievances.
The minister’s comments were echoed by Ebonyi State governor Francis Nwifuru, who urged the youth of the state not to participate in the planned nationwide protests against hardship. Nwifuru assured the youth that his administration is working diligently to address issues that will improve the lives of every Ebonyi citizen.
Other leaders of Ebonyi State who spoke out against the planned protest included former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former governor of the state, Chief Martin Elechi, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, traditional rulers, and representatives from the student union bodies in the state.
The planned protests are set to take place on August 1, with many Nigerians expressing concerns about the economic impact of the protests.
