Akpabio Clarifies Controversial ‘Let the Poor Breathe’ Comment

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJuly 29, 2023

2 minutes read

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has clarified the criticism he received for making a sarcastic comment, “Let the poor breathe,” during a recent plenary session. The comment was meant to oppose the proposed tariff increase by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DisCos).

The comment was made on July 26, 2023, when Senator Akintunde Abiodun of Oyo State presented a motion to halt the planned electricity tariff hike. Akpabio used the phrase to mock the idea of imposing more burden on the already suffering citizens.

However, his comment was widely criticized by the public and the media, who perceived it as insensitive and disrespectful to Nigerians. Some accused him of being out of touch with the reality of the masses.

In a statement issued on July 27, Akpabio clarified that his comment was not intended to insult Nigerians. He said he was fully aware of the current hardships faced by Nigerians due to the high cost of living in the country.

He explained that his joke was aimed at “firmly rejecting any plan of increasing electricity tariffs for Nigerians, considering the ongoing economic challenges that Nigerians are faced with.”

“The primary focus of the current National Assembly under my chairmanship is on the implementation of effective and well-structured policies that truly benefit the people,”

Akpabio said. “I have repeatedly assured Nigerians that the current Senate will work for all Nigerians.”

He also stated that the Senate was divided into five bands (A-E) based on the quality and hours of electricity supply they receive. He said that only customers in bands A, B, and C would experience an increase in their tariffs, while those in bands D and E would not be affected until there is an improvement in their service.

He further stated that the Senate was deeply concerned about the plight of Nigerians and that all matters discussed during plenary sessions were treated with seriousness and importance. He assured Nigerians that the Senate under his leadership would work for their best interests and implement effective policies that would benefit them.

He said he empathized with Nigerians and had never considered the economic crisis as a matter of jest. He expressed his hope that the newly appointed ministers would address the challenges and bring relief and succor to Nigerians.

Akpabio’s clarification has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have accepted his explanation, while others have remained critical. However, the statement has helped to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the original comment and has shown that Akpabio is committed to working on behalf of all Nigerians.