The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged anyone spoiling for a protest to go ahead and do so.
The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State noted that while protesters are at it, himself and his friends will relax and enjoy their meals.
Akpabio made the remarks during a gathering organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Rivers State.
The Senate President’s comment is coming amid preparation for a nationwide protest against the significant rise in inflation and Nigeria’s severe cost of living crisis scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 1.
Many members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a group of politicians in the southwest have labelled the planned protest as an attempt to overthrow the Bola Tinubu administration.
Akpabio noted during the event, that he has no interest in supporting a “regime change”.
The Cable quoted the Senate President saying: “All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while.
“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 — I must thank the Niger Delta.
“So in conclusion, we acknowledge the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region has done immeasurable damage to our people.”
He stressed that the national assembly is ready to help with legislation to curb oil spillage and environmental pollution in the region.
“The specific issues faced by the Niger Delta must be contained in that communique because we are going to make it available to Mr President.
“The ones that need legislation will come to us, the ones that need intervention will go to NDDC, the ones that need more money will go to the president and commander-in-chief and I assure that those issues will be addressed,” Akpabio said.