Akpabio Claims Protests Against Economic Hardship Are Funded, Not Grassroots Movements

Akpabio Claims Protests Against Economic Hardship Are Funded, Not Grassroots Movements

In a startling revelation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has suggested that the recent wave of street protests sweeping across Nigeria, triggered by the soaring cost of living, may not be genuine grassroots movements but rather sponsored endeavors……READ ALSO IPOB Issues Warning: Why Igbos Won’t Protest Against Tinubu’s Government Amid Economic Hardship

Amid widespread demonstrations in cities such as Ibadan, Niger, Kano, and Sokoto, where citizens have taken to the streets to express their frustrations over the mounting economic hardships, Akpabio made this assertion.

The economic strain gripping many Nigerians has been exacerbated by President Bola Tinubu’s decision to terminate the fuel subsidy and unify the exchange rate in 2023, measures that have led to skyrocketing inflation rates.

The most recent protest unfolded on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital, underscoring the growing discontent among the populace.

Speaking before the Senate on Tuesday, Akpabio noted that the protesters may not fully grasp the efforts being undertaken by both the Senate and the Federal Government to alleviate these economic challenges.

He remarked, “You can see a lot of sponsored protests here and there, but those people are not aware—most of those sponsored protesters are not aware of the kind of efforts made by this Senate to tackle the situation together with the management team of the federal government.

“Unverified reports suggest that state governments in recent months have received an additional N30 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), outside their regular allocations from the federation account, to assist them in addressing the food situation.

“So we believe that every state government should utilize the funds received to ensure that food is available.”

Akpabio emphasized that the National Assembly would not approve anything that does not ultimately benefit the citizens, affirming their commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.