‘Stop Mocking Hungry Nigerians’ – Amnesty International To Senate President, Akpabio

Amnesty International (Nigeria) has advised Senate President Godswill Akpabio to stop mocking hungry citizens amid hunger protest.

Amnesty International said Senator Akpabio’s mockery statement that Nigerians who want to protest can go ahead while he and others continue eating was “utterly reckless“.

In a statement on Thursday, Amnesty said Nigerians are facing difficult times orchestrated by federal government economic policies.

The human rights organization said taunting citizens seeking accountability from the government through protest remains unacceptable.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the insensitive and reckless comments attributed to the President of the Senate Godswill Obot Akpabio regarding plans of some Nigerians to peacefully protest current economic hardship. Taunting people seeking accountability is unacceptable.

“Millions of Nigerians are currently on the brink of starvation because of corruption and mismanagement and mocking them is a stain on the exalted office held by Mr. Akpabio. Harmful and irresponsible rhetorics from government officials — at this difficult time — must end,” the statement read.

Amnesty further called on Nigeria authorities to ensure security agencies respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The group said: “The Nigerian authorities must ensure that security agencies respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest, as guaranteed by both the country’s own constitution and human rights treaties including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”