‘Let the poor breathe’: Akpabio under fire for mocking poor Nigerians

In a trending video circulating on social media, Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has come under intense criticism for seemingly mocking the plight of poor Nigerians.

The video, captured during a plenary session, has sparked outrage among citizens who believe that the nation’s lawmakers should be more sensitive to the struggles of their fellow citizens during these challenging economic times, IDOMA VOICE reports. 

In the video, Akpabio is seen raising a controversial question to his fellow senators, drawing on a popular cliché previously uttered by President Bola Tinubu: ‘Let the poor breathe; don’t suffocate them.’ The Senate President asked, “Those in support that the poor be allowed to breathe” and requested his colleagues to express their support or opposition by responding with ‘aye’ or ‘nay’ respectively. To the dismay of many, Akpabio swiftly banged the gavel, proclaiming, “The ayes have it,” after the senators allegedly chorused ‘aye.’

This gesture has ignited a firestorm of anger and disappointment from Nigerians, who are already burdened by the harsh economic conditions prevailing in the country.

With skyrocketing fuel prices, which have reached an exorbitant N7000 per liter, and the exasperating costs of electricity, ordinary citizens are struggling to make ends meet.

The insensitive remark from the Senate President and his fellow senators has further exacerbated the frustration of the Nigerian populace. Many citizens, who are struggling to survive on meager incomes, are expressing their indignation, arguing that lawmakers, like Akpabio, who earn substantial salaries from taxpayers’ money, should not be ridiculing those who cannot afford basic necessities such as food and shelter.

Reacting to the video, Oseni Rufai, a prominent journalist from Arise TV, expressed his condemnation of Akpabio’s comments, describing them as “insensitive and unfunny.”

Rufai emphasized the need for political leaders to empathize with the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians and to use their positions to enact policies that alleviate poverty rather than adding to the burden.

In light of the public outcry and mounting pressure from citizens across the country, calls for Akpabio’s accountability have escalated. Many citizens are demanding an apology and action against his actions, questioning whether he truly deserves to hold such a significant position in the government.

See comment by some angry Nigerians below
Adeola_]-47
This is utterly disgraceful! As a hardworking Nigerian struggling to make ends meet, it’s disheartening to see our leaders mocking us instead of empathizing with our plight. They should be finding solutions to our problems, not making jokes at our expense. Shame on Akpabio and all those insensitive senators!

Name: NaijaChampion
This video just shows how out of touch these politicians are with the reality on the ground. While we are battling with high fuel prices and barely affording basic necessities, they sit there and laugh at us? It’s time for a real change in our leadership. We deserve better representation!

LagosHustler
I can’t believe we have leaders who are so heartless and callous. Instead of using their power to uplift the poor, they choose to mock us. They should live one day in our shoes and see the struggles we face. We are not asking for handouts; we want policies that improve our lives and the economy!

AbujaPikin
This is a slap in the face to every hardworking Nigerian trying to survive in this harsh economy. We put them in those positions to represent us, not ridicule us! It’s time we unite and demand accountability from our leaders. Let’s use our voices to vote for real change in the upcoming elections!

NaijaProud
I’m deeply disappointed by Akpabio’s behavior. As citizens, we deserve respect and compassion from our leaders. They should remember that they serve the people and not their own interests. Let’s stand together and let our voices be heard. No more tolerance for such arrogance and disregard for the common people!

KanoCitizen
It’s time we hold our leaders accountable for their actions. This video proves that they have no regard for the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians. We need leaders who understand our hardships and work to find real solutions, not those who make a mockery of our pain. Let’s vote for leaders who truly represent us!

EdoEmpower
I’m sick and tired of these politicians treating us like we don’t matter. They should remember that they are in those positions to serve the people, not to make jokes at our expense. We demand respect and real action to address the challenges we face daily. It’s time for a revolution of values in Nigerian politics!

ProudlyNaija
Akpabio’s actions are a slap in the face to every Nigerian striving to make a living in this difficult economy. We deserve leaders who empathize with our struggles, not those who mock us. Let’s use the power of social media to expose such behavior and demand better governance for our great nation!