Akpabio never said he would eat while hungry Nigerians protest — Spokesman

President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio has denied ever saying that he would be “eating while protesters are protesting.”

He made the rebuttal through his spokesman, Mr Kenny Okolugbo.

Akpabio during a meeting with NDDC executives and ethnic nationalities in Niger-Delta was quoted to have said he will be eating with other government officials while angry Nigerian youths protests over hunger and economic hardship.

But Okolugbo in a statement on Thursday, said that Akpabio never made such insensitive remarks.

“He (Akpabio) was merely quoting the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission who remarked that the Niger Delta Youths have greatly benefited under his and the Amnesty boss’ leadership”.

He further noted that the Senate President, during his visit to the NDDC-sponsored youths stakeholders summit in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, on Tuesday, highlighted that the Niger Delta region, despite ongoing challenges, has not resorted to protests.

He stated that Akpabio, being the highest-ranking government official from the region, empathised with the people’s hardships, acknowledging the prevailing hunger and economic difficulties.

He said his principal praised the government’s efforts to address the issues, citing the implementation of a new minimum wage and the establishment of the Northwest and Southeast Development Commissions.

The statement added that Akpabio announced an empowerment initiative aimed at providing 10,000 youths with a monthly stipend of N50,000, designed to alleviate economic hardship.

Okolugbo added that he likened this effort to the enduring pains before the birth of a child, urging patience and understanding from the Niger Delta populace towards President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

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