Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, has said that violence does not have a place in his political contestations.
He, however, said he was a focused and respectful person contrary to the perception of some people who view him as a weak leader.
Obi stated this during his remarks at the formal inauguration of Prof. Nkemdilim Nonyelu as the 8th Governor of Rotary International District 9142 in Awka, Anambra State, at the weekend.
He was responding to a question on the allegations by a former spokesperson for the LP presidential campaign council, Kennedy Okonkwo, on Saturday, that his inability to show leadership was responsible for the lingering crises within the party.
The former governor of Anambra said he had often being labelled as weak since his political journey started.
He said such descriptions had not deterred him, stressing that he was committed to staying focused, respecting others and remaining undistracted as long as he believed he was on the right path.
“I have never engaged in the politics of ‘tigbue zogbue,’ (violence) and I will not start now”, he said.
On the proposed August 1 demonstrations against economic hardship, hunger and bad governance in the country, Obi advised Nigerians against trying to influence or dictate to the youth what to do.
He denied contemplating and sponsoring protests, not to talk of carrying out.
The LP presidential flag-bearer said, ‘It is obvious that hunger, unemployment, inflation, corruption, poverty, looting, and unaccountability among others, are the major factors driving the protests.
“Let me caution that while the youth should be free to express their views and pursue their goals, their actions must remain within the bounds of the law.”
He urged them to be peaceful and organized in their activities, stressing that “constructive engagement is crucial for effecting meaningful change”.
Obi stressed the need for the youth to be well-informed about their rights and responsibilities as citizens, encouraging them to use constitutional means to voice their concerns.
He also urged the older generations and leaders to listen to the youth and support their endeavours, pointing out that young people are often the ones most affected by the consequences of poor leadership.
He also contended that respecting the youth’s rights and providing them with opportunities to lead and contribute was important for the nation’s development, innovation, and progress.
Peoplesmind
