The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has assured protesting government contractors that the National Assembly will soon approve ₦1.150 trillion in domestic borrowing to settle outstanding debts owed to them for completed projects.
Earlier, a group of contractors had blocked the entrance to the National Assembly, demanding payment for executed projects and vowing to continue their protest for seven days until their concerns were addressed. The blockade disrupted access to the complex and delayed the day’s plenary session.
Speaking during plenary, Akpabio confirmed that the Senate had already approved a borrowing request from the President to clear the backlog of payments. He appealed for calm, urging contractors to allow the government time to implement the payment process.
“We have just approved domestic borrowing to settle the indebtedness of contractors. I appeal for calm and urge them to give the Federal Government time to resolve the issue,” Akpabio said.
During the session, the Senate also discussed plans to deliberate on recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Akpabio stated that he would await an official response from the Federal Government before commenting on the issue, stressing that it involved sensitive diplomatic considerations.
“Who am I to respond to President Trump?” Akpabio remarked, clarifying that he had already petitioned the police and the DSS, and taken legal action against a blogger who falsely claimed he made comments on the matter.
The Senate President warned against the spread of misinformation, urging citizens and the media to exercise caution in public discourse to preserve national peace and unity.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Senate President reminded Akpabio that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation and said there was no reason to fear Trump or any foreign leader.
