Once again, Akpabio generates controversy over “holiday money” to Senators

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has once again generated controversy over another comment made on the floor of the Senate.

In a viral video which was seen online on Wednesday, Akpabio said that money had been sent by the Clerk of the National Assembly to Senators for their recess.

In the video, Akpabio said “In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the clerk of the national assembly.”

However, few seconds later, Akpabio withdrew his statement, saying instead that “prayers have been sent to mailboxes of respective senators“.

“I withdraw that statement. To allow you to enjoy your holiday, the Senate President has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.”

https://twitter.com/urchilla01/status/1689190050976735232?s=20

The comment has generated severe criticisms online, with many Nigerians pointing out that the Senators were receiving recess allowance in a period when many were going through hardship as a result of the fuel subsidy removal.

https://twitter.com/mrmacaronii/status/1689196700861100034?s=20

https://twitter.com/Sports_Doctor2/status/1689186356524642304?s=20

Since his emergence as President of the Senate, Akpabio has attracted several controversies over his comments, including one where he apparently mocked Nigerians in his “let the poor breathe motion” which was seen in a viral video.