It is beyond shocking that Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, will make a statement that suggests a mockery of citizens planning to protest against the high cost of living in the country.

Development Diaries reports that Senator Akpabio, while making remarks at an event organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Rivers State, taunted Nigerians calling for demonstration over economic hardship and widespread hunger.

In his statement, Akpabio said All 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. Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be there eating’.

That statement, coming less than 24 hours before the planned nationwide protest, says one thing: Nigerian leaders care less about the plight of citizens, and it worsens the already damaged trust between citizens and the government.

One of the reasons for the protest is to spur immediate action by the government to address the needs of the Nigerian people. Taunting Nigerians with ‘let us be there eating’ is a reckless and unfortunate statement by the head of the legislative arm of government that should be representing the people.

We also think that Senator Akpabio missed an opportunity to show that the government is truly concerned about the well-being of Nigerians. He should have highlighted legislative response to the hardship in the country.

Development Diaries calls on the Senator Akpabio-led National Assembly to urge the executive to implement policies that support agricultural productivity, such as providing subsidies for farming inputs, investing in modern farming techniques, and improving rural infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.

The National Assembly should also focus on enacting laws that promote economic diversification, enhance agricultural productivity, and attract investment in key sectors.

Photo source: Godwill Akpabio