Chief Emeka Agba has expressed strong opposition to the nationwide protest planned for August 1, warning it could exacerbate the already difficult conditions in Nigeria. Speaking at a recent press conference, Agba, founder of the Emeka Agba Foundation, shared his concerns about the negative consequences of the protest.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
Agba stressed that his opposition is not due to a lack of understanding of the current governmental challenges or the high cost of living in Nigeria. He acknowledged the widespread hardships, including his own struggles to afford basic utilities like electricity and water. However, he argued that the protest could worsen the situation, comparing it to “pouring gasoline on a fire.”
He advised Nigerians against comparing their situation to countries like Kenya, emphasizing that Nigeria’s larger size and diverse ethnic composition make it more susceptible to severe consequences from protests. Agba warned that such actions could lead to significant destruction and increased suffering, with the costs ultimately falling on Nigerian citizens.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
“Kenya is not like Nigeria,” he said. “Kenya is a smaller country, while Nigeria is a cot with different ethnic backgrounds and tribes. A protest of any kind right now would really destroy things and make the people suffer even more. At the end of the day, if the protest takes place, it’s still Nigerians who will pay for what has been lost or damaged.”
Agba noted that even if the government borrows money to repair damage from protests, taxpayers will bear the financial burden. Instead, he proposed a more pragmatic approach, encouraging neutral individuals to engage with the government and present the public’s demands in a civilized manner.
Citing the EndSARS protests as an example of potential chaos, Agba warned that protests often lead to violence and property damage. He urged Nigerians to avoid calls for protest to prevent further harm.
“The moment we talk about protests, many hoodlums, jobless people, and those suffering from hunger will take advantage of the situation to start destroying and looting properties,” Agba warned. “We have seen it happen during the EndSARS protests. So, let’s stop this call for protests.”
Regarding the conflict between Aliko Dangote and the NNPCL, Agba expressed reservations about Dangote’s business practices, such as high cement prices, but recognized the importance of Dangote’s refinery for Nigeria’s energy independence. He suggested that the government support the refinery’s operation and establish contracts to prevent price manipulation.
“We should allow that refinery to function. The government should support the refinery and allow Dangote to operate it. They can establish a contract to prevent price fixing, but they should ensure the refinery operates at its best,” Agba stated.
Agba also called for an end to international oil exploitation in Nigeria, expressing hope that a future leader will resist such manipulation.
“One day, God will give Nigerians a leader who will refuse to be manipulated or intimidated,” Agba concluded.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
