Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made light of the economic difficulties Nigerians are facing, advising them to take advantage of any opportunity to eat free food.
In a video that went viral on Sunday, Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, remarked, “Times are difficult, and wherever you see free food, please endeavour to avail yourself.” His statement, delivered in a humorous tone during a Senate plenary session, drew laughter from fellow senators despite the serious economic challenges plaguing the country.
Nigerians have been grappling with rising inflation and skyrocketing food prices, largely due to recent government policies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Key measures such as the removal of the fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira, and higher taxes have intensified the economic hardship. These policies have led to a sharp increase in the cost of living, making basic necessities, including food, unaffordable for many citizens.
Fuel prices have been particularly affected, with filling stations in Abuja increasing prices from N897 to N1,030 per litre, while stations in Lagos hiked their prices from N868 to N998 per litre. These increases mark the second hike within a month, exacerbating the financial strain on the populace.
Akpabio, known for making controversial and unguarded comments, has faced criticism in the past for his remarks. In July, during a conference of Niger Delta ethnic nationalities, youth, and women’s groups in Port Harcourt, he mocked Nigerians who were planning the #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August.
At the event, he sarcastically said, “Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be here eating,” further showcasing his dismissive attitude toward the struggles faced by many citizens.
Despite the severe economic challenges facing Nigeria, Akpabio’s recent comments have sparked outrage, as they appear to make light of the suffering many Nigerians are enduring.
