Aide Clarifies: Akpabio Didn’t Say He Would Eat While Others Protest

Kenny Okolugbo, Consultant Communications and Strategy to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has refuted claims that Akpabio suggested he would be “eating while protesters are protesting.”

In a statement released on Thursday, Okolugbo stressed that Akpabio did not make such comments. He clarified that Akpabio was quoting the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, who highlighted the benefits the Niger Delta youths have received under their leadership.

During his visit to the NDDC-sponsored youth stakeholders summit in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, Akpabio emphasized that despite ongoing challenges, the Niger Delta region has not resorted to protests.

The Senate President, who empathized with the economic difficulties and hunger facing the people, acknowledged the efforts of the government to address these issues. He cited recent measures, such as the implementation of a new minimum wage and the creation of the Northwest and Southeast Development Commissions.

The statement also mentioned Akpabio’s announcement of an empowerment initiative that will provide 10,000 youths with a monthly stipend of N50,000 to help alleviate economic hardship.

Okolugbo described this initiative as a hopeful effort amidst current challenges and urged patience from the Niger Delta populace towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The controversy arose from a reported remark by Akpabio, which some interpreted as dismissive of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest. However, Akpabio was said to have supported the current government and expressed a preference for improving the existing administration rather than seeking regime change.