Nigerians To Akpabio: ‘This Is Not The Time To Share Money’
Afimag.com –
The Senate President and the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District at the 10th NASS has come under attack over his comment during the plenary.
In a clip that went viral on social media, Godswill Akpabio, while rounding off the sitting told the senators that a token would be sent into their respective bank accounts by the clerk to enable them enjoy their holidays.
Some Nigerians have, however, condemned Akpabio’s position, saying that this is not the time to share money.
Recall that on August 08, 2023, after the announcement of the leadership of standing committees, the Senate adjourned sitting till September 26, 2023, to observe its annual recess.
In the video which surfaced online on Wednesday, Senator Akpabio before a motion of adjournment was moved at the end of the ministerial screening said, “in order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the clerk of the national assembly.”
Akpabio who later retracted his statement after he was alerted, he was live on television said, “I withdraw that statement. In order to allow you to enjoy your holiday, the Senate President has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.”
Meanwhile, Nigerians reacting to the video said the present economic realities should be of concern to the senators, stressing the money should have been used for socio-economic development of the Nation.
On twitter, @majorayodele described the statement by the president of the senate as careless considering the current economic hardship being faced by Nigerians. “Even if he wanted to send money, couldn’t it have been sent as they normally do “as usual” without us knowing”, he said.
@Warepam tweeted “Godswill Akpabio has not even stayed in the senate for up to 3 months now he is spending our money recklessly! To imagine we were all celebrating and rejoicing on the news of his appointment as the senate president just last month, see how he is squandering public funds, so shameful.”
@1tzkelvin wrote ”can you afford to eat 3 times daily??600, Can you afford to buy drugs you need to get better? But senator Godswill Akpabio and co are busy sharing the nation’s money on a daily basis”.
Also on Instagram, @olobadagzy “They are showing us how they are treating the citizens clearly on national television. 8k sef dem never send am give the people wey need am and senators don first poor masses see alerts. Just keep praying and work harder cos this government have nothing to offer the masses”.
@lily said “That token is millions of naira … they will give to their wives and girlfriends. She called on leaders to provide basic amenities needed by the people.