By Seyi Babalola
Minister of Works David Umahi has slammed Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for 2023, claiming that he is not the Igbos’ voice.
Umahi stated that Obi should avoid reportedly encouraging South-East youth against President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the August 1 protest.
Umahi spoke on Wednesday at the Ebonyi State Youth and Stakeholders Summit, which was hosted 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.
