Akpabio Sparks Outrage with ‘Eat Free Food Wherever You Find It’ Remark
Abuja, Nigeria — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has come under fire for his controversial statement encouraging Nigerians to “eat free food wherever they find it,” drawing sharp criticism from citizens and political commentators. The remark, which many have described as insensitive, comes at a time when the country faces economic hardship and rising inflation.
Akpabio made the comment during a public appearance, where he spoke casually about how people should take advantage of opportunities. However, his words have been widely criticized as tone-deaf to the struggles of millions of Nigerians dealing with poverty, unemployment, and high living costs.
Backlash from Citizens and Civil Society
The statement quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions on social media. Many Nigerians expressed anger, calling the remark an insult to those struggling to make ends meet. Civil society groups have also condemned the Senate President, accusing him of being out of touch with the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens.
“This kind of rhetoric from leaders is not only disappointing but also irresponsible,” said Adebola Johnson, a social activist. “Nigerians need solutions to the economic crisis, not jokes about free food.”
Calls for Accountability
Political analysts argue that comments like these further highlight the disconnect between the political elite and the public. Some have called for Akpabio to retract his statement and issue an apology.
“It’s baffling that in the face of hardship, a public servant would make such remarks,” said Musa Ali, a political commentator. “Nigerians need empathy and responsible leadership, not flippant comments.”
No Official Response Yet
As of the time of this report, Akpabio’s office has not issued an official response to the backlash. Many are waiting to see if the Senate President will address the outrage and offer any form of clarification or apology.
The controversy has intensified discussions around accountability and leadership in Nigeria, with many calling on public officials to be more mindful of their words during these challenging times.
Stay updated on this developing story with VOP News.
