Chief Chekwas Okorie, founder and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has warned against the August 1st planned protests, citing the potential for chaos and violence in a country already on the brink due to widespread hardship.

He issued this warning in Abuja on Wednesday, shortly after accepting his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of APGA.

Okorie’s warning came as Nigeria faces numerous flashpoints, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over the country’s economic situation.

Nevertheless, he urged Nigerians to give the government more time to address the economic challenges facing the country, rather than resorting to protests.

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The APGA BoT chairman acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerians but expressed optimism that the government’s agricultural policies would yield positive results by the end of the year.

He revealed that some individuals, including those who feel left out of power, are pushing for protests to happen, but assured that Igbo leaders have advised their people not to participate.

He said, “Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder… So my advice would be that we should not go the way of a protest.

“If it happens, it will become an ill-wind that will blow nobody any good, including the sponsors and those in government.

“A hungry man is an angry man. An angry man is irrational, and an irrational man can be violent. This chain of events is what the government in power must be conscious of.

“We must advise ourselves that let’s give this government more time to see whether things will change.

“We have advised our people in the Southeast not to participate in this protest. We are confident to say that you are unlikely to see any Igbo individuals taking part in these planned protests.

“We understand that ultimately, some individuals may be used as scapegoats. I believe that our counterparts in Yorubaland should also take similar actions. The same goes for those in the North.

“By doing so, we can help pacify our people. However, this is not something where you can issue a marching order or threaten them. If you do, they will resist and you will not be able to overcome them.

“I’ve also seen some genuine measures of this government to make things better… Since the government came into power, the real harvest season we are seen is the one that will occur between now and the end of the year.”

Okorie also criticized government officials for their extravagant lifestyle, which he described as ‘provocative’ and capable of fueling anger among the population.

He said, “The leadership must be more sensitive to the yearnings of the people. And they must be more open.

“Their extravagant lifestyle is very provocative in a situation like this… They must rein in their thirst for vulgarity because when you preach to the hungry man to give the government a chance, the government officials are not encouraging that hungry man to be able to give them any chance.

“I expect the president to have an in-house meeting, come up with policies that we will rein in (his officials) because these people are not prepared to live a life that will encourage others to make sacrifices.”

Earlier, in his acceptance speech, Okorie reflected on his past sacrifices for APGA and expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership for his appointment.

His words, “It is with humility and honour that I accept to serve in the exalted and prestigious office of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance as Chairman.

“My unalloyed gratitude goes to the National Working Committee (NWC) of APGA under the leadership of Engr. Chief Edozie Njoku, as National Chairman of APGA, who rose in one accord in support of my appointment.

“I pledge my unflinching loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance… I am doubly gratified that the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Edozie Njoku, is not only a consummate, committed, and dedicated APGA member but deeply rooted in the original vision of the Party.”