Ahead of the hunger protest scheduled to start on Thursday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio mocked the organizers, suggesting they proceed with the demonstration while he and others watch and eat.
According to The PUNCH, Akpabio made these remarks on Tuesday while speaking to delegates from the Niger Delta Development Commission in Rivers State.
The Senate President, appearing displeased with the planned protest, commented on the sentiment expressed by the MD of the commission, saying, “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.”
He added, “Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be there eating — I must thank the Niger Delta.”
Akpabio acknowledged the significant harm caused by oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta, stating, “We acknowledge the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region has done immeasurable damage to our people.”
He assured that the National Assembly is prepared to enact legislation to address oil spillage and environmental pollution in the region.
“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,” Akpabio stated.
Akpabio has called for an emergency Senate meeting in light of the forthcoming protest scheduled for August 1 to 10.
A circular signed by Clerk Chinedu Akubueze on Monday described the meeting as of “National Importance.” The internal memo did not provide further details on the emergency meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024, just one day before the nationwide protest against hunger and hardship is set to begin.
The memo read, “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 as follows: Date: WEDNESDAY, JULY 31st, 2024; TIME: 12 NOON.”
