A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio following his alleged taunting of hunger protesters with the statement, “we shall be eating.” Despite Akpabio's denial of making such a remark, Vatsa described it as insensitive and embarrassing for the ruling party.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Vatsa criticized Akpabio’s comments, claiming they reflected a culture of indulgence inherited from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where Akpabio previously held membership. Vatsa, who formerly served as Commissioner for Information in Niger State, insisted that the Senate President should issue a public apology to Nigerians.
“It is a huge error and a disservice to this country to turn around and make someone like Akpabio a Senate President in the APC government. That is why this government can never get it right,” Vatsa remarked.
He continued, “The APC, as a party, has been hijacked by those that Nigerians were fed up with and decided to embrace ‘change’ in 2015. They have been eating and they want to continue eating like Akpabio made Nigerians believe."
Vatsa further lamented the APC’s decision to welcome back individuals previously accused of corruption, stating, “I said it before and I will repeat it that it is sad that we are giving red carpet reception to those we initially accused of looting this country with reckless abandon, so how can we get it right?”
He added, “The same eating Akpabio ate for 16 years under the PDP government, he still wants to continue eating under the APC government. This is the tragedy of a nation.”
Vatsa argued that Akpabio’s association with the PDP, particularly since his home state Akwa Ibom is governed by the PDP, disqualified him from serving as Senate President in an APC administration.
“This party must begin to redeem its image and build confidence in Nigerians before 2027. This must start from Akpabio’s resignation to let Nigerians know that we are serious as a party,” Vatsa concluded.
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