Trouble Looms; #AkpabioMustGo: Nigerians Call For Senate President’s Resignation
Nigerian social media users on X are rallying behind the hashtag #AkpabioMustGo, calling for the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio following his controversial comments on the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protest.
As citizens gear up for a nationwide demonstration from August 1-10, 2024, the online campaign is gaining momentum, demanding accountability from the Senate President.
Nigerians are set to protest against the hardships inflicted by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, but Akpabio on Tuesday said demonstrations would not hold in the nine Niger Delta states.
Speaking during the Niger Delta Development Commission Executive Management Engagement with Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities and Stakeholders in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Akpabio backed a statement earlier made by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, urging Niger Deltans not to be lured into any protest that would destabilise the country.
In his speech, Akpabio said, “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. Am I right?”
Akpabio’s comment sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, who accused the Senate President of being callous and out of touch with the struggles of the citizens.
Many criticised his lack of empathy and insensitive attitude towards the hardships faced by Nigerians, saying his response only served to further highlight the government’s disconnect from the people.
An X user, Ife Salako said, “Akpabio is worse than Tinubu. The most ridiculous fellow to have led our National Assembly. This is a disgrace to our democracy and as a nation we must all agree at this point that #AkpabioMustGo.”
KHÄLÍPHA wrote: “Nigerians are the most patient people on earth. The Senate President gloated, ‘let the poor breathe.’ He came up with a flimsy excuse and asked for apologies, and Nigerians let it slide. Yet, he’s mocking protesters again. He isn’t fit to be Senate President. #AkpabioMustGo!”
Hauwa Allahbura wrote: “Chief, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio CON, we are giving you 10 days to resign. We are tired. Nigerian Senate chamber is not a motor park. It was never one, it can never be one. Enough is enough. #Akpabiomustgo.”
Lukman Opeyemi wrote: “We can’t have a drunkard as FCT minister and still have another drunkard as Senate president just because they helped us rig election. It just doesn’t feel right!!”
F A A R E E S wrote: “Godswill Akpabio is the worst Senate President Nigeria has ever seen, imagine saying this nonsense after putting our country in all these hardships. We cannot be suffering under unsympathetic tyrants like this. Enough is enough! #Akpabiomustgo.”
EL EXCELENTE wrote: “This man’s resignation is our number request on the #protest list. He has mocked us enough. Starting from sending prayers to their inbox and making mockery of allow the poor to breathe. Now he will be eating while we are protesting.”
Usman Zannah wrote: “Akpabio’s disdain for struggling Nigerians and his ineptitude as Senate President are clear. His mocking attitude and poor performance are unacceptable. It’s time for him to step down. #Akpabiomustgo.”
https://x.com/UsmanZannaah/status/1818656024368218569
https://x.com/Excelente0/status/1818646220337799491
https://x.com/MFaarees_/status/1818643692946604244
https://x.com/Miniko_jnr/status/1818626684481929676
https://x.com/LukmanHorpe/status/1818652292708495588
https://x.com/HauwaAllahbura/status/1818624703650525612
https://x.com/KhaliphaJibreel/status/1818638691381682381
https://x.com/ifesalakooffice/status/1818656774133617073
