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 Igbos.
Umahi added that 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.
Umahi spoke on Wednesday during the Ebonyi State Youth and Stakeholders Summit held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki.
"Let me make this clear: His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, does not speak for Ndigbo. Our governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo, and our traditional rulers are our leaders; they speak for us. Let the enemies of Ndigbo hear this loud and clear: our governors and Ohaneze Ndigbo are the mouthpieces of Ndigbo.
"Let no one take the comments of one individual and use them to malign us. We are a very peaceful people. We will continue to support Mr. President. My advice to our brother is to reconsider his stance to avoid inciting some uninformed youths against the rule of law and endangering the peace of the nation.
"Whenever there is a protest, the economy of that nation suffers. The EndSARS protest did not yield anything constructive; instead, people gathered to engage with the government, and the issues raised were addressed.
"Protests do not produce results. It is when you make your grievances known in a constructive manner that they will be addressed. Let me emphasise that President Bola Tinubu is addressing all the grievances of the youths and the people," Umahi stated.
Addressing the youths and stakeholders present, Ebonyi State governor Francis Nwifuru urged the youth of the state not to participate in the planned nationwide protests against hardship, assuring them that his administration is working diligently to address issues that will improve the lives of every Ebonyi citizen.
Governor Nwifuru pledged that his administration would always listen to the concerns of the state's youth, ensuring that their demands, requests, and aspirations are met.
"Let me be clear: those who were the primary beneficiaries of the fuel subsidy are the ones resisting the interests of Nigerian youths. However, with our support, President Bola Tinubu will undoubtedly overcome all those who oppose his administration," the governor stated.
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.
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