In a shocking display of callousness and disconnect from the plight of ordinary Nigerians, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mocked citizens planning to protest against economic hardship, stating that he and his colleagues would be "eating" while the people demonstrate. This Marie Antoinette-esque remark comes at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to put food on their tables, highlighting the vast chasm between the ruling class and those they purport to serve.
Akpabio's flippant comment, made during a conference in Port Harcourt, reveals a disturbing lack of empathy and understanding of the dire situation facing many Nigerians. As citizens prepare to voice their frustrations over rising costs of living, fuel shortages, and widespread economic distress, their elected representatives seem content to feast while Rome burns.
This attitude is not isolated. Vice President Kashim Shettima's labeling of protest organizers as "idiots" further underscores the administration's contempt for democratic dissent. Such language from high-ranking officials is not only unbecoming but dangerous, as it delegitimizes the genuine concerns of the populace and frames peaceful protest as a nuisance rather than a constitutional right.
The Tinubu administration, barely months into its tenure, has already managed to outpace its predecessor in inflicting hardship on Nigerians. From the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies without adequate safeguards to the free fall of the naira, the government's policies have exacerbated the suffering of ordinary citizens. Yet, instead of addressing these concerns with the seriousness they deserve, government leaders resort to mockery and dismissal.
This blatant disregard for the welfare of Nigerians is a recipe for disaster. History has shown that when leaders become too detached from the realities of those they govern, the consequences can be severe and unpredictable. The Arab Spring and other popular uprisings serve as stark reminders of what can happen when the social contract between rulers and the ruled is broken beyond repair.
It is high time for Akpabio, Shettima, and indeed the entire administration to step down from their ivory towers and confront the harsh realities facing the nation. Their words and actions betray not just a lack of compassion, but a dangerous arrogance that threatens the very fabric of the country.
To the protesters: your voices matter, your concerns are valid, and your right to peaceful assembly is sacrosanct. Do not be deterred by the callous remarks of those who have forgotten their mandate to serve.
To the government: take heed. The people's patience is not infinite. Your mockery today may well be the spark that ignites the fire tomorrow. It's time to listen, to empathize, and to act in the interests of all Nigerians – not just your own appetites.
The choice is clear: address the legitimate grievances of the people or continue to fiddle while Nigeria burns. The clock is ticking, and history will judge harshly those who chose to eat delicacies while their people starved for justice.
