Senate President Akpabio Under Fire for Mocking Protesters
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has come under intense criticism for his comments mocking those calling for protests over economic hardship in Nigeria. At an event in Rivers state, Akpabio said those interested in protesting can “go ahead…but let us be here eating”, sparking outrage on social media.
Many Nigerians, including young people, have called for demonstrations from August 1 over soaring living costs, which spiked after President Bola Tinubu ended fuel subsidies and eased foreign exchange controls.
Akpabio’s comments were widely condemned, with many calling for his resignation. Social media users described him as “insensitive”, “arrogant”, and “incompetent”. Some criticized his lack of empathy for the hardships faced by Nigerians, while others called for protests demanding his resignation.
The controversy has highlighted the growing discontent among Nigerians over the country’s economic situation and the government’s response to it. Akpabio’s comments have been seen as tone-deaf and dismissive of the struggles faced by many Nigerians.