Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has made jest of the August 1 protest organisers that they can go ahead with their demonstration as they would be watching and eating.
Akpabio stated this on Tuesday during an audience with delegates of the Niger Delta Development Commission in Rivers State.
Akpabio, replying to the commission’s MD, said the Niger-Delta people are not ready for a regime change.
“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.
“We acknowledge the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region has done immeasurable damage to our people,” he stressed.
He said the federal lawmakers were 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 you that those issues will be addressed,” he maintained.
Akpabio has summoned an emergency meeting of the Senate for Wednesday due to the forthcoming protest scheduled for August 1 to 10.
The NASS Clerk, Chinedu Akubueze announced this on Monday, said the meeting was of “National Importance” and did not give further details on the emergency meeting.
