Nigerian Senate President Mocks Planned Protests

By Onoja Baba, Abuja, Nigeria

In an address to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) delegates in Rivers State, Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that planned protests in the country would have little effect on government leaders, suggesting they would continue their activities undisturbed.

“Those who want to protest can protest but let us be there eating — I must thank the Niger Delta,” Akpabio remarked on Tuesday.

Acknowledging the detrimental impact of oil and gas activities on the Niger Delta, Akpabio emphasized the government’s awareness of the region’s challenges.

“We acknowledge the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region has done immeasurable damage to our people,” he stated.

Addressing concerns about potential regime change, Akpabio echoed sentiments from the NDDC’s Managing Director, asserting the region’s support for the current government. “MD, I want to thank you for what you said. You said we are not interested in regime change; let us own this government.”

Akpabio assured delegates that the National Assembly is committed to addressing the region’s issues through legislative action.

“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. 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 you that those issues will be addressed,” he maintained.

In response to the forthcoming nationwide protest scheduled from August 1 to 10, Akpabio called for an emergency Senate meeting.

A circular signed by Clerk Chinedu Akubueze on Monday cited the meeting’s “National Importance,” without providing further details.

The emergency plenary sitting is set for Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 12 noon, just one day before the planned protests against hunger and hardship. “Dear Distinguished Senators, the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened,” the memo stated.