Senate President Godswill Akpabio has retaliated against Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, for his recent remark that “the labor of our heroes past is all in vain.”
“If Obi is unable to address internal issues within his party, Akpabio claims he lacks the moral authority to lead Nigeria.”
Akpabio made the comments Wednesday in Abuja at a Senate chamber valedictory ceremony honoring the late Chief Edwin Clark, the former Federal Commissioner for Information and elder statesman.
“How can you solve the crisis of Boko Haram or other major national issues if you cannot resolve the crisis in your Labour Party?” Akpabio added, taking a subtle jab at Obi. I implore people who want to be in charge of Nigeria to deal with the problems inside their own party.
A day after Obi honored the late Clark at a memorial lecture in Abuja, the Senate President responded.
Obi bemoaned Nigeria’s current situation while applauding Clark’s legacy of bravery and selflessness. He maintained that the difficulties of today had made the efforts of previous leaders, including as former President Goodluck Jonathan and General Yakubu Gowon, pointless.
In addition, Obi criticized the Nigerian government for lacking civic involvement and accountability, pointing out that there were no public protests over the recent increases in petrol prices, unlike under Jonathan’s administration when there were large-scale rallies.
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He asserted that Nigerian democracy was failing and that he was frequently accused of “demonizing the country” for raising his voice.
However, Akpabio rejected Obi’s comments as being out of context and proposed that handling internal party matters is the first step towards leadership.
As he reviewed his record, Akpabio emphasized his accomplishments as the previous governor of Akwa Ibom State. “I can speak with pride about the digitalized governor’s offices, the international hospitals, and the dualized thoroughfares in my city,” he remarked.
He went on to say that he sponsored more than 5,800 Muslims and 12,000 to 15,000 Christians on pilgrimages to Mecca, Rome, and Jerusalem, promoting religious pluralism and establishing free and mandatory education in the state.
The president of the Senate also issued a warning against the polarizing use of social media, characterizing it as mainly uncontrolled and frequently used to deceive the public.
“Resolve your party issues first before aspiring to lead Nigeria,” was Akpabio’s stern admonition to opposition leaders as he wrapped up his speech.
