The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has assured protesting contractors that the National Assembly will approve President Bola Tinubu’s request for N1.15 trillion in domestic borrowing to clear outstanding payments for completed government projects.
The assurance comes after a group of contractors blocked the entrance of the National Assembly, disrupting plenary sessions and creating tension among lawmakers.
The protesters had vowed to maintain their demonstration for seven days until their demands were met.
Speaking during plenary, Senator Akpabio confirmed that the Senate had already sanctioned the borrowing request to settle the backlog of contractor debts.
He appealed for patience, urging contractors to allow the government time to implement the payments.
“We have approved the domestic borrowing needed to clear contractors’ debts. I urge calm as we ensure these issues are addressed,” he said.
During the session, Akpabio also addressed recent claims attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging a Christian genocide in Nigeria.
He emphasised that he was not in a position to respond and would await an official government stance, citing the sensitive nature of diplomatic issues.
He noted that misinformation had been spread online, clarifying that he had petitioned law enforcement agencies and taken legal steps against the blogger responsible.
Akpabio also called on Nigerians and the media to avoid spreading false or inflammatory information, stressing the importance of national unity.
Akpabio urged lawmakers and citizens to view Nigeria’s internal challenges carefully, encouraging dialogue and unity across the country’s diverse communities.
He instructed the Cybercrime Unit to track and prosecute those responsible for circulating fake news about the Senate and its leadership.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Senate President reminded the upper chamber that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and that it should not be intimidated by foreign commentary.
