Senate President Godswill Akpabio has come under heavy criticism for taunting those calling for protest over the economic hardship in the country.
Nigerians, many of them young people, have called for demonstrations from August 1 over soaring costs.
Living costs spiked in Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu ended the fuel subsidy and eased foreign exchange controls after coming to power in May last year.
Speaking at an event organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Rivers state on Tuesday, Akpabio said those interested in the protest can go ahead “but let us be there eating”, adding that he was not interested in any “regime change”.
He said: “All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while. MD, I want to thank you for what you said. You said we are not interested in regime change, let us own this government.
“Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be here eating…”
