Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has begged Nigerians to pardon the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over his outlandish holiday token statement.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo described Akpabio’s Enjoyment Allowance as outrageous, saying that it has battered the image of the Red Chambers and the nation at large.
Akpabio had after the ministerial screening, announced the distribution of holiday token to all 109 senators which have brought condemnation among Nigerian public.
Reacting to the development through a statement on Friday, secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro, said the revelation came at a time when Nigerians are already grappling with significant hardships, particularly in the wake of fuel subsidy removal.
“The recent statement made by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, regarding the distribution of holiday tokens to all 109 senators has sparked outrage among the Nigerian public.
“This revelation comes at a time when Nigerians are already grappling with significant hardships, particularly in the wake of fuel subsidy removal. The news that senators are receiving additional benefits while citizens struggle has further deepened public resentment.”
Ohanaeze’s strongly criticized the move, stating that it has tarnished the image of the Nigerian Senate and casts doubts on the lawmakers’ integrity.
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The body stated that amid the controversy, calls on the Senate to clarify the source of the tokens and pleads for forgiveness on behalf of Akpabio, while urging senators with integrity to speak up.
“The revelation that Nigerian senators have been granted holiday tokens has added insult to injury for the Nigerian population. It has amplified the frustrations and anger already felt due to the burdensome economic conditions faced by citizens.
It added that the removal of fuel subsidy, has made commodity prices to skyrocketing, making life increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians.
Ohanaeze stated that in this context, the news of senators receiving holiday benefits has been met with widespread condemnation.
While asking for forgiveness on behalf of Godswill Akpabio, Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the Senate to restore public trust.
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