Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken a swipe at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general election, for what he described as disrespectful comments directed at Nigeria’s founding fathers.
Akpabio expressed his disapproval during a valedictory session organised to honour the late Niger Delta icon and ex-Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark.
Naijareporter reports that the Senate President’s reaction followed Obi’s tribute to Clark, delivered a day earlier, where the former Anambra governor suggested that the sacrifices made by the country’s early heroes had been rendered meaningless by the present-day struggles, especially economic hardships.
“For someone like me who just participated in the 2023 general election, he (Clark) lived a life of courage, sacrifice, justice, and value. So why do we keep saying the labours of our heroes past should not be in vain? I’m happy that Jonathan is here.
“But I can tell you, their sacrifices are in vain. They have sacrificed for nothing. We were in this country when people protested when there was no need to protest under Goodluck Jonathan. Where are those protesters now? Have they disappeared?
“Jonathan increased fuel from N87 to N120, and people protested. Now that it’s N900, there are no protests. So again, why do we keep saying their labours should not be in vain?” he queried.
In a firm rebuttal, Akpabio questioned Obi’s leadership credentials and criticised his perceived obsession with the presidency, accusing him of ignoring pressing internal conflicts within the Labour Party.
“If you cannot even resolve the crisis within the Labour Party, is it Boko Haram’s crisis you’ll come and resolve in Nigeria? I would like us to be remembered for what we achieved when given the opportunity. As I speak, I can point to the dualised roads in my city.
“I can talk about some of the best international hospitals in my city. I have one of the best digitalised governor’s offices. I provided free and compulsory education. I also fostered religious unity by sponsoring over 5,800 Muslims and more than 15,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem.
“But those aspiring to be presidential candidates, who use social media to cause division with their words, tell them to fix the small party they have before talking about a larger Nigeria. Social media is unregulated,” he fumed.
Akpabio’s comments reflect growing political tensions as opposition figures like Obi continue to critique governance amid national hardship, while ruling party leaders defend the legacy of Nigeria’s forebears and their own achievements.