Senate president urged to avoid provoking public discontent

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has warned Senate President Godswill Akpabio not to provoke an uprising with his recent comments.

Frank’s statement on Monday comes in reaction to Akpabio’s remarks about parliament’s anticipatory approval for President Bola Tinubu to acquire a new presidential aircraft worth billions of Naira.

Akpabio had responded to social media reports claiming he vowed to approve the purchase of a new aircraft for the president, despite the country’s economic hardships. He denied any such request before the Senate but added that if a request were made, it would be approved to prevent air mishaps like those that claimed the lives of the President of Iran and the Vice President of Malawi.

Frank criticised Akpabio’s stance, asserting that the parliament’s role is to serve as a check on the other arms of government, but said that Akpabio has derailed by encouraging executive expenditures regardless of taxpayers’ economic plight.

“One of the cardinal roles of the parliament is to serve as a check and balance on the other arms of government, but Akpabio has derailed by deciding on and goading the executive on what expenditure to make irrespective of the economic plight of taxpayers,” said Frank.

He condemned Akpabio’s comments as an assault on democracy and a mockery of the National Assembly, urging the Senate President to respect his constitutional role and refrain from actions that could lead to public discontent.

Frank also highlighted the significant budget allocations for the maintenance of the Presidential Air Fleet, which consists of six aircraft and six helicopters. He questioned the use of the N214 billion allocated for fleet maintenance from 1999 to 2024 and urged Akpabio to investigate the expenditures or consider selling some aircraft to offset the cost of new ones.

Frank concluded by reminding Akpabio of the responsibilities and privileges of his position, stressing that elected officials are expected to serve the people, not oppress them.