Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, clarified that he did not intend to ridicule the motion ‘let the poor breathe’ when it was humorously presented during the plenary session last Tuesday.
Recalled that at the plenary early last week, Akpabio amusingly presented the motion brought forward by Senator Akintunde Abiodun representing Oyo senatorial district, while seeking the Senate’s support to prevent NERC and DisCos from raising tariffs.
The way the motion was presented humorously, coupled with laughter that followed from the senators, was deemed insensitive to Nigerians, inviting a flood of criticisms.
The Senate President, in a statement dated July 27 and posted on Friday, responded to the criticisms from Nigerians, expressing that it was unintended to insult the people. He also acknowledged being aware of the hardships arising from the high cost of living.
He said the motive behind the ‘let the poor breathe,’ ‘was to firmly reject any plan of increasing electricity tariffs for Nigerians, considering the ongoing economic challenges that Nigerians are faced with.’
According to the statement by the media unit of the Senate, ‘We are deeply concerned about the negative tilting of a very harmless statement by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, about his deep concern and that of the Senate on the plight of the ordinary Nigerians as a result of the prevailing economic situation in the country.’
‘The statement ‘Let The People Breathe’ made during the Plenary on 26th July 2023, was made by Senator Akintunde Abiodun while speaking on the motion to halt the planned electricity tariff hike.’
In addition, the statement emphasized that the Red Chamber does not take important national issues lightly and assured the Nigerian populace that lawmakers would not ridicule the challenges faced by the people.
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It furthered, ‘We want to assure the general public that all matters discussed during Senate sessions are of utmost importance and are treated with great seriousness by the President of the Senate and his Distinguished colleagues.’
‘It is crucial to clarify that the intentions of the mover of the motion and the comments of the President of the Senate were never to make light of the hardships, suffering and economic challenges faced by Nigerians at this critical juncture.’
‘The purpose of the proposal was to firmly reject 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 the Chairmanship of Senator Akpabio is on the implementation of effective and well-structured policies that truly benefit the people. He has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the current Senate will work for all Nigerians.’
‘The President of the Senate deeply empathises with Nigerians and has never considered the current economic crisis in the country as a matter of jest.’
‘His unwavering commitment lies in serving the best interests of the Nigerian people with the release of the ministerial list and the subsequent screening and swearing-in of the ministers, we have high hopes that the newly appointed officials will promptly address the challenges and bring the much needed relief and succour to all citizens thereby, easing the current hardship and pains experienced by Nigerians.’