Akpabio Did Not Say He Would Eat While Nigerian Youths Protest—Okolugbo

Sir Kenny Okolugbo, Communications and Strategy Consultant for the Senate President’s office, has refuted claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated he and others would be “eating while protesters protest.”

Okolugbo described the reports as misleading and aimed at stirring conflict between the Senate President and the Nigerian public.

In a statement, Okolugbo clarified that Akpabio was quoting the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) during a recent event.

The MD had remarked that under the current administration, the Niger Delta Youths were benefiting and would be more focused on governance than protests. Akpabio was merely relaying this sentiment, not expressing his personal views.

Okolugbo further explained that Akpabio’s visit to the Niger Delta was intended to assure the region, where he is the highest-ranking government official, that there would be no protests from the nine states of the Niger Delta.

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The Senate President acknowledged the hardships faced by the region, including hunger, and emphasized his understanding of their plight. This event was broadcast live by ARISE TV.

During his speech at the NDDC-sponsored youth stakeholders summit in Port Harcourt on July 30, 2024, Akpabio warned of the dangers of protests, referencing the near-anarchy in Kenya.

He noted that despite ongoing challenges in the Niger Delta, such as environmental degradation due to oil exploration, there had been no protests, a testament to the region’s resilience.

Akpabio also highlighted efforts by the government to address current challenges, such as the recent passing of the minimum wage bill and the establishment of the Northwest and Southeast Development Commissions. He announced an immediate empowerment initiative to provide 10,000 youths with a monthly stipend of N50,000 as a temporary relief measure.

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Okolugbo called on the people of the Niger Delta to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting that it is too early to judge its performance.

He added that the youths at the summit expressed their confidence in Akpabio’s leadership, voting against protests and in support of his efforts.

The empowerment scheme, Okolugbo emphasized, is intended for unemployed youths across all local government areas and wards in the nine Niger Delta states and will be implemented without political bias.