BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has been defended against the controversial statement, “go on and protest while we sit at home and eat”, recently credited to him in the wake of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Nigeria.
The President General of the Global Peace Movement International, Dr. Mike Uyi, clarified that the statement was originally made by the Managing Director (MD), of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as it was only repeated by Akpabio at a large gathering.
Dr. Uyi made the clarification during a press briefing in Benin City, Tuesday, asserting that the remark was thereafter misattributed to the Senate President.
Dr. Uyi who said he was present at the gathering, explained that the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku originally made the statement while encouraging the region’s youth to support government efforts and avoid participating in the hunger protests.
“The NDDC MD said that the government would be providing a monthly allowance of N50,000 to the youth, and he urged them to support the government. He added that while some people protest, the government would continue its work, and those who choose to protest should do so while others benefit from the government’s initiatives,” he stated.
Dr. Uyi emphasized that Akpabio’s remarks were a reiteration of the NDDC MD’s speech and not a new comment. He condemned the attempts to malign Akpabio, asserting that such actions detract from the legitimate concerns of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
Dr. Uyi who identified himself as a staunch supporter of the protest however called on Nigerians to focus on substantive issues rather than engaging in political mudslinging and misinformation.
He enjoined those calling for protest to remove the Senate President to have a rethink in the overall interests of Nigeria.
The Country Director and Coordinator, Global Peace Movement International, UK, Sam Okereke and Omorogbe Kingsley, respectively, accompanied their President General to the press briefing.
