Prominent constitutional lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has called for the resignation of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, following the resurfacing of a video in which Akpabio advised Nigerians to “eat wherever they find food.” The video has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians demanding Akpabio’s removal from office.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Idam criticized Akpabio’s comments, describing them as hypocritical and a reflection of his detachment from the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. The lawyer also reminded the public of Akpabio’s recent actions in the Senate, where he reportedly disbursed two million naira to senators for leisure during a recess.
“Saying that ‘Nigerians should eat wherever they find food’ was quite an honest advice but sadly hypocritical, given that the advisor does not and would not eat just anywhere he finds food,” Idam said in the statement.
The activist lawyer further accused the Senate President of lacking empathy, recalling how Akpabio had previously stated that he would be enjoying himself at home with his family while Nigerians protested over hunger.
“A Senate President who announced braggingly before Nigerians that he would be enjoying and watching from television with his family while hungry Nigerians are protesting as a result of hunger had long stripped himself of empathy or emotion,” Idam added.
He also referenced the ongoing court case questioning the disbursement of funds to senators for “enjoyment,” revealing that the details of the funds’ sources were still being investigated in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1394/2023, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“Until Nigerians learn to demand that leaders quit their positions if found to have misconducted themselves, or demand an apology for infamous conduct exhibited while in public positions, institutions will remain a joke,” he said.
Idam stressed that the integrity of the National Assembly depends on the character and conduct of its officers, calling for accountability and the rejection of indecorous behavior within the legislative body.
“The pride of the National Assembly must be earned in character and the conduct of its officers,” he concluded, urging Nigerians to hold their leaders to higher standards.
