Jonathan Vatsa, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State and former Commissioner for Information Culture and Tourism, has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down from his position immediately.
Vatsa also called on the Senate President to issue an apology to the protesting youth for his remarks regarding the ongoing nationwide demonstrations against hunger and hardship.
In a statement titled “Time for Akpabio to go is now,” Vatsa criticized Akpabio’s comments as insensitive and unfortunate, especially coming from the third-highest-ranking official in the country.
Akpabio was reportedly quoted in the lead-up to the EndBadGovernance protests as saying that while others protest, he and those loyal to President Bola Tinubu will continue to benefit from the administration.
While many prominent Nigerians have been appealing to the protesting youth to pursue peaceful means and engage in dialogue with the government, Akpabio’s approach was seen as more dismissive.
Vatsa, a former APC publicity secretary in the state, pointed out, “Akpabio enjoyed the same privileges for 16 years under the PDP government, and now he seeks to retain those benefits under the APC government. This presents a tragic situation for the nation.”
He went on to express his disappointment over the choice of Akpabio as Senate President within the APC government, stating that it reflects poorly on the party’s commitment to change.
“The APC has been infiltrated by individuals who were once the subject of public discontent and the desire for change in 2015. They have continued to benefit from the system, contradicting the ‘Change’ narrative that resonated with Nigerians,” Vatsa emphasized.
“It is disheartening that individuals previously accused of widespread corruption are now being welcomed within the party ranks, undermining efforts to restore trust and confidence among Nigerians,” he added.
“For the APC to regain credibility and rebuild public trust before 2023, a decisive step must be taken starting with Akpabio’s resignation. This gesture would demonstrate the party’s seriousness about addressing these issues,” Vatsa concluded.