Chief Emeka Agba Criticizes Planned Nationwide Protest, Warns of Increased Suffering

Chief Emeka Agba has publicly opposed the nationwide protest set for August 1, expressing concerns about its potential to worsen existing hardships in Nigeria. Speaking at a recent press conference, Agba, founder of the Emeka Agba Foundation, argued that the protest could exacerbate rather than alleviate the country’s difficulties.

Agba emphasized that his objections are not due to a lack of empathy for the current economic situation. On the contrary, he acknowledged the widespread struggles, including his own challenges with paying for basic utilities like electricity and water. However, he compared the proposed protest to “pouring gasoline on a fire,” suggesting it would only intensify the nation’s problems.

He cautioned against comparing Nigeria to countries like Kenya, noting that Kenya’s smaller size and different context make such comparisons misleading. According to Agba, Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and tribal makeup means that protests could lead to significant destruction and further suffering, ultimately costing Nigerians more in the long run.

“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 also warned that even if the government takes on debt to repair protest-related damage, it is taxpayers who will ultimately shoulder the financial burden. He proposed a more constructive approach, urging non-political individuals to engage directly with the government to address the public’s concerns in a more measured way.

Highlighting the risks of opportunistic violence and property damage, Agba referenced the EndSARS protests as a precedent for potential chaos. He advised against the protest call to avoid 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 dispute between Aliko Dangote and the NNPCL, Agba expressed reservations about Dangote’s business practices, such as high cement prices, but acknowledged the strategic value of Dangote’s refinery for Nigeria’s energy independence. He recommended 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 concluded with a call for international oil interests to cease their exploitation of Nigeria, expressing hope that one day a leader will emerge who can resist such manipulation.