- Akpabio's statement triggered widespread anger among Nigerians
- Citizens demand the Senate President resign
- Heavy security on ground as protesters gathered to demand an end to the persisting economic crises
As citizens commenced the nationwide hunger protest on Thursday, August 1, the demand for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio erupted with the hashtag #AkpabioMustGo on X.
This is due to his controversial comments on the hunger protest with the hashtag #EndBadGovernance protest on X. Akpabio said, “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. Am I right?”.
Akpabio's statement triggered widespread anger among Nigerians
He made this comment on Tuesday, July 30 in Port Harcourt while speaking at a Niger Delta Development Commission Executive Management Engagement with Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities and Stakeholders.
Akpabio's statement triggered widespread anger among Nigerians, who felt the Senate President lacked empathy and was insensitive to the citizens' struggles, resulting in the demand that he resign.
“We can't have a drunkard as FCT minister and still have another drunkard as Senate president just because they helped us rig election. It just doesn't feel right!! #Akpabiomustgo,” an X user stated.
Another X user said, “Godwin Akpabio is the most useless and careless Senate President in the history of Nigeria. #AkpabioMustGo”.
“Akpabio’s disdain for struggling Nigerians and his ineptitude as Senate President are clear. His mocking attitude and poor performance are unacceptable. It’s time for him to step down. #Akpabiomustgo,” Zannah added.
Heavy security at protests ground
Heavy security has been sighted across the country as protesters gathered to demand an end to the persisting economic crises.
Commercial activities were partially paralysed across Lagos state. A heavy presence of security personnel and armoured tanks were sighted around both sides of the Lekki Tollgate.
Relatedly, there were security operatives and vigilantes at strategic places in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Vigilantes, policemen, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, and Operation Doo Akpo were seen on ground.
The country’s capital, Abuja is also heavily guarded at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja as the #EndBadGovernance protesters kick-started the nationwide hunger protest.
Similarly in Ogun state, heavy security deployment was also sighted across Ogun state, particularly at some strategic places.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and operatives of the South West Security Network “Amotekun” were deployed in the state.
Personnel of the Nigerian Army were also on seen on patrol exercises on the major streets of the state.
Nigeria cannot afford to have another #EndSARS experience - Sanwo-Olu
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said Nigeria cannot afford a repeat of the EndSARS situation, urging peaceful protests, with demonstrators highlighting the economic difficulties facing the nation.
The governor, reflecting on the 2020 EndSARS protest said the state is still in the process of recovering from the mindless damage to its significant heritage symbols during the EndSARS protest.