In an assertive move, women from the Niger Delta Women League (NDWL) have announced their intention to stage a protest at the National Assembly, calling for the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The announcement was made through a statement released by the NDWL on Monday in Abuja. The statement was signed by prominent figures including Hon. Sheila Abiye Tamuno, National President of NDWL, and coordinators from various states within the Niger Delta region.
The women’s demand stems from what they perceive as economic hardships exacerbated by recent policy decisions. The removal of fuel subsidies without adequate measures to mitigate the effects on the populace, coupled with an escalating cost of living, has fueled their discontent. With the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) surpassing N617 per liter, the devaluation of the naira against the dollar, and a staggering 24% inflation rate, the women argue that the plight of the average Nigerian is dire.
Highlighting their grievances, the NDWL statement expresses concern over the Senate President’s alleged lack of understanding of the gravity of the nation’s economic challenges. They criticize Akpabio’s reported comments, including his infamous “Let the poor breathe” remark and his statement regarding token payments for vacations, as insensitive and injurious to the masses.
The women assert that Akpabio’s actions reflect poorly on the Niger Delta region and advocate for his swift resignation to restore the region’s reputation. They stress that the Senate President’s actions have only deepened the suffering of the Nigerian people and suggest that his departure from office is necessary to prevent further harm.
The NDWL further calls upon the distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to stand in defense of democracy and vote for Akpabio’s removal if he does not voluntarily step down. In a show of determination, the NDWL has vowed to mobilize one million women from the Niger Delta region to the National Assembly on September 26, 2023. The women will either express gratitude to the Senate for addressing their concerns or, if necessary, demand the Senate’s commitment to rectifying the situation.
As the women’s march unfolds at the National Assembly, the nation watches to see how the Senate responds to their demands and whether this expression of discontent will lead to tangible change in the political landscape.
