Akpabio slams govt appointees, calls for commitment

President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has issued a stern critique of sycophancy among political appointees, accusing some of prioritizing personal gain over national progress.

Speaking during an interactive session and retreat organized by the Senate Committee on Appropriation in Abuja as part of deliberations on the N49.7 trillion budget proposal on Thursday Akpabio decried the tendency of some government officials to align themselves with power only for self-serving purposes.

“They grow, they select, they plan their turn, and their turn moves their pockets forward, not the nation forward,” Akpabio said.

He criticised appointees who are active only when their appointors, presidents or governors are present but abandon their duties when unsupervised.

The Senate President, however, applauded officials who demonstrate consistent dedication to their roles, regardless of political pressures.

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“When you see an appointee committed to state functions in the absence of their appointor, it shows they are loyal to the nation, not their pockets,” he noted.

Akpabio’s remarks highlighted a broader concern about governance in Nigeria, where loyalty to leadership often supersedes genuine service to the people.

He urged appointees to prioritize their responsibility to the nation over personal or political gains.

The Senate president also took a jab at uninformed public discourse, urging Nigerians to participate actively in the legislative process.

He criticised those who comment on critical issues, such as the budget and tax reforms, without adequate understanding.

“This is where people should contribute their ideas, not just sit on social media and analyze things they don’t fully comprehend,” he said.

“The task before us is very formidable, but it is neither beyond our reach or beneath our determination. This budget, the budget of restoring this nation, is a strategic instrument to secure peace, ignite prosperity and lay the cornerstone of a stronger and more resilient economy for all.”

The public Hearing on the 2025 Appropriation Bill, which Akpabio described as a “Portal of Restoration,” was attended by lawmakers, ministry representatives, and civil society organizations.

The session aimed to gather input from stakeholders to ensure the budget reflects national priorities.

Akpabio’s strong words underscored the need for a shift in Nigeria’s political culture, emphasizing accountability and service above sycophancy.

“We are gathered here as custodians of Nigeria’s destiny,” he declared, urging all stakeholders to join hands in building a stronger future for the nation.

The Senate President reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to enacting a budget that will promote sustainable growth and national unity.