Labour Party presidential candidate of the just concluded presidential election, Peter Obi, has dissociated himself from the purported Monday 20th of March 2023 nationwide protest posted across social media platforms with “EndINEC”, “ENDNigeria” as hashtags. Also, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over the rise in the spread of hate speech across the country.
Peter Obi in a tweet dissociated himself from the protest, claiming that the opposition was behind the campaign, he further stated that he had publicly declared that he would reclaim his stolen mandate through the courts and by due process.
My attention has been drawn to social media postings suggesting that a nation-wide groundswell "#ENDINEC", "#ENDNigeria" Protest is being planned by the Obidients. We are aware that those postings are being orchestrated by the Opposition.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) March 17, 2023
My position is clear: Without prejudice to constitutional dictates on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, I have publicly stated that in the matter of reclaiming our stolen mandate, we shall do so robustly, via the Courts and Due Process.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) March 17, 2023
Regardless of the misgivings many may have about our Judiciary, we must strive to build strong and resilient institutions, of which the Judiciary is one. As a firm believer in the separation of powers between the three arms of government,
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) March 17, 2023
I am conscious that every so often, the Judiciary is called upon to vindicate itself on epochal national public-interest issues. The matter presently before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) is one such litmus test case.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) March 17, 2023
The NHRC has also expressed concern about the rise in hate speech across the country, fueled by politicians seeking political patronage. The commission added that ethnic and religious sentiments are being used to create division, fear, and hatred among different groups.
It noted that hate speech has crept into places of worship where religious leaders are also help spreading the hate. The Executive Secretary of the Commission Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, ahead of the Gubernatorial and State Assembly election enjoyed the citizens' stay away from divisive comments as it may have dire consequences for different religious and ethnic groups.