Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President of Nigeria, has stated that he did not make a joke of the motion “let the poor breathe,” made in a hilarious manner at the plenary session last Tuesday.
While seeking the Senate’s ‘ayes’ to prevent the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DisCos) from raising tariffs, Akpabio sarcastically presented the motion moved by Senator Akintunde Abiodun, representing Oyo senatorial district.
The way in which the motion was adopted as senators burst into laughter was perceived as callous by Nigerians, prompting an avalanche of condemnation.
In response to Nigerians’ backlash, the Senate President stated in a statement dated July 27 and uploaded on Friday that it was inadvertent to offend the people, adding that he was aware of the problems caused by the high cost of living.
Akpabio stated that the motive behind “letting the poor breathe” “was to firmly reject any plan of increasing electricity tariffs for Nigerians, considering the ongoing economic challenges that Nigerians are faced with.”
The statement by the Senate President’s media team reads, “We are deeply concerned about the negative tilting of a very harmless statement by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, about his deep concern and that of the Senate on the plight of ordinary Nigerians as a result of the prevailing economic situation in the country.
“The statement ‘Let The People Breathe’ made during the Plenary on July 26, 2023, was made by Senator Akintunde Abiodun while speaking on the motion to halt the planned electricity tariff hike.”
It further guaranteed the Nigerian people that the Red Chamber would not trivialize critical national matters and that MPs would not make a mockery of the challenges confronting the people.
It continued, “We want to assure the general public that all matters discussed during Senate sessions are of the utmost importance and are treated with great seriousness by the President of the Senate and his Distinguished colleagues.
“It is crucial to clarify that the intentions of the mover of the motion and the comments of the President of the Senate were never to make light of the hardships, suffering, and economic challenges faced by Nigerians at this critical juncture.
“The purpose of the proposal was to firmly reject any plan to increase electricity tariffs for Nigerians, considering the ongoing economic challenges that Nigerians are faced with.
“The primary focus of the current National Assembly under the Chairmanship of Senator Akpabio is on the implementation of effective and well-structured policies that truly benefit the people. He has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the current Senate will work for all Nigerians.
“The President of the Senate deeply empathizes with Nigerians and has never considered the current economic crisis in the country as a matter of jest.
“His unwavering commitment lies in serving the best interests of the Nigerian people. With the release of the ministerial list and the subsequent screening and swearing-in of the ministers, we have high hopes that the newly appointed officials will promptly address the challenges and bring much needed relief and succor to all citizens, thereby easing the current hardships and pains experienced by Nigerians.”
