Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that during the Eighth Senate, which coincided with the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, no project was commissioned in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He made this remark while speaking at a project commissioning event in the FCT, calling out former Senator Philip Aduda.
Akpabio Questions Lack of Projects Under Eighth Senate
Akpabio recalled that both he and Aduda were members of the Eighth Senate, yet Aduda never invited him to commission any project in the Nigerian capital, unlike the current FCT minister, Nyesom Wike. The Senate President emphasized that Aduda was a principal officer of the Senate and part of the then government, questioning why no project commissioning took place under that administration.
The Eighth Senate was led by Bukola Saraki, former governor of Kwara State. Both Saraki and Aduda lost their re-election bids in the 2019 general election, which ushered in the Ninth Senate.
Akpabio's Statement
Akpabio's statement reads in part: "Senator Aduda, you and I were together in the 8th Senate, and you never invited me to commission one single project despite the fact that you were a principal officer in the Senate and part of the then government."
Nigerians React to Akpabio's Remarks
The statement has generated reactions from Nigerians. Ben Samuel criticized Akpabio's leadership, citing issues like forged signatures, altered tax laws, and padded budgets. Ọláńrewájú Ìdòwú noted that Akpabio's comment was a subtle criticism. Emeka expressed confidence that Aduda could be voted out in the 2027 elections. Soezea criticized Akpabio for confusing legislative and executive roles.
