Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate, has retaliated against Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential contender, over his recent remark that “the labor of our heroes past is all in vain.”
Akpabio asserts that if Obi is unable to address internal party issues, he lacks the moral capacity to lead Nigeria.
Akpabio made the statements Wednesday in Abuja at a Senate chamber valedictory ceremony honoring the late Chief Edwin Clark, the former Federal Commissioner for Information and elder statesman.
“If you can’t fix the problem in your Labour Party, how can you fix the Boko Haram problem or other significant national issues?” Akpabio remarked in a subtle jab at Obi. I implore those who want to be Nigeria’s leaders to deal with the problems within their own parties.
One day after Obi honored the late Clark at a memorial lecture in Abuja, the Senate President responded.
Obi bemoaned the current situation in Nigeria while applauding Clark’s legacy of bravery and selflessness. He maintained that today’s difficulties had made the efforts of previous leaders, including as former President Goodluck Jonathan and General Yakubu Gowon, pointless.
Obi also attacked the Nigerian government for lacking civic involvement and accountability, pointing out that there were no public protests against the recent increases in petrol prices, unlike under Jonathan’s administration when there were large-scale rallies.
He asserted that Nigerian democracy was in decline and that he was frequently accused of “demonizing the country” for raising his voice.
Nonetheless, Akpabio rejected Obi’s comments as being out of context and proposed that handling internal party matters is the first step towards leadership.
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Akpabio reviewed his record and emphasized his accomplishments as the previous governor of Akwa Ibom State. He declared, “I can speak with pride about the dualized thoroughfares in my city, the international hospitals, and the digitalized governor’s offices.”
He also said 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 Senate President 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 firm warning to opposition leaders as he wrapped up his speech.
