Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stirred controversy with recent remarks addressing planned nationwide protests against economic hardship in Nigeria. Speaking at a Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Tuesday, Akpabio appeared to dismiss the concerns of protestors while suggesting that he and other National Assembly members would remain unaffected.
During the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, Youths and Women Group Sensitisation Conference, broadcast live on Arise TV, Akpabio stated, “Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be here eating.”
The comment came after NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku expressed that the Niger Delta region was not interested in a change of government. Akpabio echoed this sentiment, saying, “Managing Director, I want to thank you for what you said. You said we are not interested in regime change; let us own this government.”
Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, acknowledged the current economic challenges facing Nigerians but called for patience. “All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while,” he remarked.
The Senate President also addressed environmental concerns in the Niger Delta, stating, “We acknowledge the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region has done immeasurable damage to our people.” He assured that the National Assembly was prepared to assist with legislation to combat oil spillage and environmental pollution in the region.
Akpabio emphasized the importance of addressing specific issues faced by the Niger Delta, saying, “The specific issues faced by the Niger Delta must be contained in that communique because we are going to make it available to Mr President.”
He outlined a plan for addressing these concerns, explaining, “The ones that need legislation will come to us (National Assembly members), the ones that need intervention will go to NDDC, the ones that need more money will go to the president and commander-in-chief and I assure you that those issues will be addressed.”
Akpabio’s comments have drawn criticism from some quarters, with observers noting that the Senate President has a history of making controversial statements on serious national issues.
