Senate President Godswill Akpabio has faced significant backlash for mocking those advocating for protests against the country’s economic hardship. Many Nigerians, particularly young people, have called for demonstrations starting August 1 due to the rising cost of living.
The economic strain worsened after President Bola Tinubu ended the fuel subsidy and eased foreign exchange controls upon taking office in May last year. Inflation hit a record 34.19 percent in June, with food inflation exceeding 40.87 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
At a Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) event in Rivers State on Tuesday, Akpabio remarked that those wishing to protest could do so, but added, “let us be there eating,” indicating his disinterest in any regime change. His comments have angered many on social media who criticized his insensitivity and arrogance.
Here are some reactions from social media users:
- On X, formerly Twitter, @DrMusabayero wrote, “These are the consequences of voting for the wrong people. People who are NOT fit to be our leaders. Leaders who are irresponsible, loquacious, reckless, insensitive, dubious, rascals, and kleptomaniacs.”
- @Realoilshikh stated, “Dear @Senator_Akpabio, Your statement was reckless & a mockery to hungry Nigerians, that bad policies or poorly implemented ones have plunged into poverty & hunger. Nigerians demand an apology from you.”
- @Mr_NIV urged, “Instead of mocking, we urge you to focus on addressing the genuine concerns of the people.”
- @Zayyan_A remarked, “This is the most arrogant and insensitive senate president we’ve ever had. He’s also the most incompetent. Another reason why we have problems is because a lot of people like him are in various leadership positions.”
- @SahabiSaad expressed, “I am appalled by Senate President Apakbio’s heartless comment, which mocked protesters by saying ‘We will be eating while you are out there.’ This thoughtless remark demonstrates a staggering lack of empathy for the hardships and pain of the Nigerian people.”
- @kafeel_maje1 questioned, “Can we protest demanding Akpabio resignation? Yes we can! The man is always proven to be the worst Senate President ever in the history of the Nigerian Senate.”
On Facebook, users shared similar sentiments:
- Abubakar Sadiq Adamu stated, “I have said it, I am saying it again and again and again, this is the worst senate president we have ever had in the history of this country. He lacks social skills in general, he didn’t deserve to be a leader. Shame on his people that he is representing.”
- Nimfon Ben commented, “The leaders have been eating and the people starving. Not protesting won’t make them share in your meal.”
- Olanrewaju Okoh praised a previous Senate President, saying, “Bukola Saraki will remain the most productive, experienced, clever Senate president ever.”
- Isaiah Jeremiah lamented, “This is what happens when sets of cruel people rule a nation. May God have mercy on Nigeria Politicians.”
- Al’ameen Muhammad Aderm added, “And the saddest part of it, his constituents will still give him mandate in the next 2027 general election. Nothing is found in Akpabio as a quality of a good leader, the worst Senate president ever in history.”
- Amos Augustine concluded, “Leaders are expected to speak tenderly but this current Senate president always vomits unthinkable words.”
Credit: DailyTrust