As momentum for August protests over economic hardships continues to gather, Peter Obi of Labour Party has supported the protest, lamenting that hunger and hopelessness among young Nigerians have heightened under President Bola Tinubu’s watch

After a meeting with Governor Alex Otti of Abia state on Sunday, Mr Obi urged Nigerians to protest without being violent and violating the law.

“Within the Nigerian constitution, protest is allowed. All I plead for is that those who are protesting is to do so within the law and in a civil manner that allows us as a nation to show that we live within the law. Everybody knows that things are difficult,” Mr Obi said.

The former Anambra governor, who had been accused by Mr Tinubu’s government of sponsoring protests to cause anarchy in the country, said hunger and hopelessness are fueling public rage against Mr Tinubu’s goverment.

“When they talk about sponsors of the protest, I always say the sponsors are very simple. It’s hunger and hopelessness among the youth, so we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through,” Mr Obi said.

He added “What I will say to the security agencies is that they should ensure they manage the situation again within the law. We should not strive to be over-bearing. It should be something that we will do within the law. There is nothing wrong. Protest is allowed globally. People also protest in my house.

Mr Obi’s support for protest comes after his former political ally, Kenneth Okonkwo berating uim a spineless leader who does not stand for anthing noble.

The former Anambra governor’s open support for protests plea comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s goverment push back against planned protest over cost of living crisis under his watch.

Since the protest was announced Mr Tinubu has rallied clerics, religious associations and traditional rulers to dissuade Nigerians from protesting over high cost of living that has seen food prices shoot through the roof nationwide.