Senate President Godswill Akpabio has come under heavy criticism for taunting those calling for protest over the economic hardship in the country.
Nigerians, many of them young people, have called for demonstrations from August 1 over soaring costs.
Living costs spiked in Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu ended the fuel subsidy and eased foreign exchange controls after coming to power in May last year.
Speaking at an event organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Rivers state on Tuesday, Akpabio said those interested in the protest can go ahead âbut let us be there eatingâ, adding that he was not interested in any âregime changeâ.
He said: âAll 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.
âThose who want to protest can protest, but let us be here eatingâŚâ
This had infuriated some social media users who criticised Nigeriaâs number three citizen.
Reacting to the comments made by the Senate, some Nigerians took to social media to berate him.
See some of the reactions below:
@DrMusabayero: âThese 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.â
@Realoilshikh: âDear @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.â
@Mr_NIV: âInstead of mocking, we urge you to focus on addressing the genuine concerns of the people.â
@Zayyan_A: âThis is the most arrogant and insensitive senate president weâve ever had. Heâs also the most incompetent. Another reason why we have problems is because a lot of people
Peoplesmind
