The Nigerian Senate has urged protesting government contractors to remain calm, assuring them that their outstanding debts will be settled soon. The contractors had earlier besieged the National Assembly, disrupting access and delaying plenary sessions over unpaid debts for completed projects. Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed that the upper chamber had approved domestic borrowing to enable the Federal Government to clear the backlog of payments, which total ₦1.150 trillion. This approval aligns with President Tinubu’s request for a fresh ₦1.15 trillion domestic loan to fund the 2025 budget deficit. Akpabio appealed to the contractors to be patient, giving the Federal Government time to resolve the issue. The blockade had created tension among lawmakers, highlighting the need for a swift resolution.
In a related development, the Senate announced plans to debate recent comments attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump, which alleged a Christian genocide in Nigeria. Akpabio said he would await the Federal Government’s official response before commenting, citing sensitive diplomatic considerations. He emphasized the need for caution in public discourse, urging Nigerians and the media to avoid spreading misinformation or inflammatory narratives that could jeopardize national unity. Akpabio also called on the Cybercrime Unit to identify and prosecute those responsible for circulating fake news about the Senate and its leadership, stressing that Nigeria’s internal challenges must be examined from all perspectives to preserve peace in a multi‑ethnic society.
The Deputy Senate President, however, retorted by asking Akpabio if he was afraid of Trump, reminding everyone that Nigeria is a sovereign country. The Senate’s decision to approve domestic borrowing and address the contractors’ grievances marks a significant step toward resolving the issue. The development underscores the importance of effective communication and swift action to address the concerns of various stakeholders. As the Senate prepares to debate the comments attributed to Trump, it must prioritize national unity and avoid spreading misinformation. The outcome of the debate and subsequent Senate actions will be closely watched as Nigeria continues to navigate internal challenges and maintain its position on the global stage.
Comments are closed for this story.