Senate President Akpabio Mocks Nigerians: We’ll eat while you protest
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taunted those planning to protest against the country’s economic hardship.
Speaking at an event organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday, Akpabio remarked, “Those interested in the protest can go ahead, but let us be there eating.”
This comment comes ahead of a planned protest scheduled to run from August 1 to August 10.
The protest organisers have cited rising economic difficulties as the reason for the demonstration.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, met with some organisers in Abuja on Tuesday, suggesting a virtual protest to avoid disruptions, but they insisted on taking to the streets.
READ ALSO: Protest organisers reject IGP’s call for confined demonstration, insist on street marches
During the NDDC event, Akpabio further dismissed the impact of the protests, stating his lack of interest in any “regime change.”
“All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while. MD, I want to thank you for what you said. You said we are not interested in regime change, let us own this government.
“Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be there eating — I must thank the Niger Delta”, he added.
He added, “We acknowledge the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region has done immeasurable damage to our people.”
The National Assembly, he assured, is ready to help with legislation to curb oil spillage and environmental pollution in the region.
“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 said.
“The ones that need legislation will come to us, 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 that those issues will be addressed”, he submitted.
The National Assembly under Akpabio’s leadership has fixed an emergency session for the eve of the protest.
Proofreading and editing by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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