Face your allegations, not our pain – Nigerians slam Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is facing a wave of backlash on social media following his recent comments on Nigeria’s economic hardship, with many Nigerians urging him to focus on the allegations hanging over his head rather than delivering what they describe as empty rhetoric.

Akpabio, in a speech titled “Rising to Nigeria’s Moment” delivered on the floor of the Senate as lawmakers resumed from recess, acknowledged the country’s harsh economic climate and the toll it has taken on ordinary citizens. However, his message failed to strike a chord with many Nigerians, who took to various online platforms to express their disapproval.

Critics argue that Akpabio is among the political elite responsible for worsening the country’s economic situation and therefore lacks the moral standing to empathize with suffering Nigerians.

Several netizens also revived longstanding controversies involving the Senate President, including sexual harassment allegations recently levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. She accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances both in his office and in his residence in Akwa Ibom State.

In addition, Nigerians recalled the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban, who was sentenced to three years in prison for falsifying election results in Akpabio’s favour during his 2019 senatorial race under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Social media users did not hold back in their reactions.

On Facebook, @Tim SirRote wrote, “Go and face sexual harassment allegations and leave them alone. Nonsense.”

@Abdulazeez Sani commented, “When invited for investigation of sexual harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, he felt betrayed by the presidency. If you’re not guilty, why fear investigation from your own political party?”

@Yayi Egba added, “Go and face your criminal election fraud. Don’t pity us now. When you went to Rome, you said it’s good we suffer—why speak now about the same hardship you helped create?”

Another user, @Oyebanji Olawale, said, “He wants to bribe his way into the hearts of Nigerians. He knows Nigeria has short memory. Nonsense!”

“He wants to align with the people amidst different scandals rocking his office. Natasha’s issue is there. Fraudulent election is there, and many more. Leave Nigerians alone,” @Adedipe Oluwatosin wrote.

(With additional information from Tribune Newspapers)