Chief Emeka Agba has called for government support for Aliko Dangote’s refinery while also voicing his opposition to the planned nationwide protest on August 1. Speaking at a recent press conference, Agba, founder of the Emeka Agba Foundation, shared his views on both the refinery and the protest’s potential impact on Nigeria.
Addressing the ongoing conflict between Aliko Dangote and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Agba stated, “I am not a fan of Dangote due to certain business practices like the high price of cement. However, we must recognize the importance of his refinery for Nigeria’s self-reliance in petroleum products. 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 also called on international oil mafias to leave Nigeria alone, accusing them of exploiting and manipulating the country for too long. “One day, God will give Nigerians a leader who will refuse to be manipulated or intimidated,” he declared.
Turning to the planned nationwide protest, Agba expressed his strong opposition, warning it could worsen the already difficult conditions in Nigeria. “My opposition to the protest is not because I am unaffected by the current state of the government or the high cost of living in Nigeria,” Agba clarified. “I am acutely aware of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians, including my own efforts to pay for electricity and water for my family.”
He likened the proposed protest to “pouring gasoline on a fire instead of using water to extinguish it,” suggesting that such actions would only exacerbate the country’s suffering. “A protest of any kind right now would really destroy things and make the people suffer even more,” he emphasized. “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 advised Nigerians not to draw comparisons with countries like Kenya, where protests have occurred. “Kenya is not like Nigeria. Kenya is a smaller country, while Nigeria is a cot with different ethnic backgrounds and tribes,” Agba explained.
He further noted that even if the government borrows money to repair the damage caused by protests, it is ultimately taxpayers who will bear the burden, adding to their suffering. “It’s still Nigerians who will pay for what has been lost or damaged,” he pointed out.
Instead of protesting, Agba suggested a more pragmatic approach to addressing the country’s challenges. “We need neutral individuals who are not politicians to actively engage with the government and present the demands of the masses in a civilized and decent manner,” he advised.
“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,” he concluded.
