Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked controversy with his recent remarks; he admitted, “Times are difficult” and advised Nigerians, “Wherever you see free food, please endeavour to avail yourself.”
This comment comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardships due to President Bola Tinubu’s policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidy.
The country has witnessed a significant hike in petrol prices, with NNPC Ltd. increasing prices by over 15% in less than a month.
Many people have criticized Akpabio’s statement, seeing it as insensitive and mocking.
This isn’t the first time he’s made similar remarks. In July, at the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, Youths, and Women Group Sensitization Conference, he dismissed protests against economic hardship, saying he and other National Assembly members would be “eating” while protesters took to the streets.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration with Akpabio’s comments.
Some have called him out for being reckless and unempathetic, while others have questioned the government’s priorities amidst the economic struggles.
