Nigerians are urging Senate President Godswill Akpabio to resign following his controversial comment about government officials “eating” while citizens protest.
“Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be here eating,” Mr. Akpabio stated on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an event organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
On Thursday, Amnesty International Nigeria criticized Mr. Akpabio for his comment, labeling it as “insensitive and reckless.”
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the insensitive and reckless comments attributed to Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio regarding plans of some Nigerians to peacefully protest current economic hardship,” the rights group said in a statement posted on X.
“Taunting people seeking accountability is unacceptable: Millions of Nigerians are currently on the brink of starvation due to corruption and mismanagement, and mocking them tarnishes the esteemed office held by Mr. Akpabio. Harmful and irresponsible rhetoric from government officials—especially at this difficult time—must end,” the statement added.
On the first day of the nationwide protest against economic hardship in Nigeria, the hashtag #AkpabioMustGo trended throughout the day on X.
“He needs to go; it’s not negotiable. A strong message must be sent to that Senate seat,” said X user @Asah_Mike.
“Why senators haven’t impeached him from that seat still baffles me,” commented another X user, @Galadima_Samaru.
“They’re mere toothless mannequins. They don’t have what it takes,” responded X user @Ibnwalee, apparently referring to Mr. Akpabio’s colleagues in the Senate.
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