Senate President Godswill Akpabio has encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of every opportunity to enjoy free food amid the ongoing economic challenges in the country.
In a viral video from Sunday, Akpabio, unbothered by the hardships facing citizens, remarked, “Times are difficult, and wherever you see free food, please endeavour to avail yourself.”
His comments were made during a lighter moment in the Senate plenary, provoking laughter from fellow lawmakers despite the serious economic difficulties stemming from policies implemented by the Bola Tinubu administration.
These policies, which include the removal of the fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira, and increased taxation, have led to soaring food prices, putting them out of reach for many Nigerians.
For instance, on Wednesday, fuel prices at filling stations in Abuja surged to N1,030 per litre from N897, while in Lagos State, prices increased to N998 from N868, marking the second price hike in just one month.
Akpabio, known for his controversial remarks, had previously addressed a conference for Niger Delta ethnic nationalities, youth, and women in Port Harcourt in July.
During that event, he responded to Nigerians planning the #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August by saying, “Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be here eating.”