Akpabio Declares Niger Delta States Protest-free Zone; Says Other Nigerians Can Protest But We’ll Be Eating
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday said the proposed nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests by Nigerians would not take place in the nine states of the Niger Delta.
He described the region as a protest-free zone and appealed to Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu’s administration more time so its reforms to yield positive results.
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.
According to Ogbuku, such action would hinder development and further impoverish the people.
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 gave details of the youth internship scheme, saying that 10,000 youths would be engaged in the programme designed to improve their skills.
He noted that the beneficiaries in the first phase would be paid N50, 000 monthly.
He said, “Give Tinubu a chance to deliver on his policies and some people ask how long and I tell them even if you have to take all the time it took you to get to this point.
“Actions are being taken by the government to do everything possible to meet the needs of the people because we recognise the difficult times. So, as the Senate president I want to appeal to all Nigerian Youths to give this administration an opportunity for most of the policies to mature.
“So the whispers of our nation are already receiving attention. The economic challenges are known to the president because all of us feel the impact of what is happening now.”
“Be rest assured that the Tinubu administration will release the necessary funds for critical projects in the Niger Delta region. I will ensure that the needs of our people and dreams are realised,” he said.
