*Pix above: Akpabio and Speaker Abass
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has mocked hunger protest organisers to go ahead with the demonstration while ‘proactive’ Nigerians watch on eating.
Akpabio made this mockery on Tuesday while addressing delegates of the Niger Delta Development Commission in Rivers State.
The Senate President, who seems displeased with the protest, said the Niger-Delta people are not ready for a regime change while referencing the statement of the MD of the commission.
“All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while. 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 — I must thank the Niger Delta.
“We acknowledge the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region has done immeasurable damage to our people,” he stressed.
He assured that the National Assembly is ready to help with legislation to curb oil spillage and environmental pollution in the region.
“The specific issues faced by the Niger Delta must be contained in that communique because we are going to make it available to Mr President.
“The ones that need legislation will come to us, the ones that need intervention will go to NDDC, the ones that need more money will go to the president and commander-in-chief and I assure you that those issues will be addressed,” he maintained.
Recall that Akpabio had called for an emergency meeting of the Senate due to the protest scheduled for August 1 to 10.
A circular signed by the Clerk, Chinedu Akubueze on Monday, said the meeting was of “National Importance.”(agency)/###
