Senate President Godswill Akpabio has delivered a sharp rebuke to sycophants within government, criticizing political appointees who prioritize personal gain over genuine service to the nation.
Speaking at an interactive session and retreat organized by the Senate Committee on Appropriation in Abuja, Akpabio urged government officials to embrace loyalty to Nigeria’s progress rather than to individual leaders.
The session, held as part of deliberations on the proposed ₦49.7 trillion 2025 budget, provided a platform for the Senate President to address what he termed “a culture of opportunism” in governance.
“They plan their moves, align their turns, and grow their pockets—but not the nation. This is a grave disservice,” Akpabio remarked. He condemned officials who only show diligence in the presence of their appointors—whether presidents or governors—but neglect their responsibilities when unsupervised.
Akpabio contrasted these behaviors with the dedication of a minority of appointees who consistently perform their duties regardless of political or hierarchical pressure. “When an appointee works with the same passion in the absence of their leader, it reflects loyalty to the country, not just self-interest,” he noted.
The Senate President’s comments underscored a systemic issue in Nigeria’s political landscape, where sycophancy and self-serving politics hinder governance and development. Akpabio called for a cultural shift, urging appointees to serve with integrity and prioritize national interests above personal ambitions.
Akpabio also took aim at uninformed public criticism, particularly on social media, of critical legislative processes such as budget reviews and tax reforms. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to engage meaningfully with legislative processes, contributing ideas rather than spreading ill-informed opinions.
“This is the forum for constructive input,” he said, referring to the budget hearing. “Social media is not a replacement for understanding the intricacies of governance. Our task is formidable but achievable, and we must approach it with informed determination.”
He described the proposed 2025 Appropriation Bill as a “Portal of Restoration,” highlighting its significance as a tool to ignite prosperity, secure peace, and build a more resilient economy.
The public hearing on the 2025 budget brought together lawmakers, ministry officials, and representatives from civil society to align fiscal priorities with national goals. Akpabio’s strong remarks emphasized the importance of accountability and collaboration in governance, advocating a collective effort to build a stronger and more united Nigeria.
“We are custodians of Nigeria’s destiny, and our responsibility is to rise above personal interests to shape a better future,” he declared.
The Senate President concluded by reaffirming the legislature’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive budget process aimed at sustainable growth, national unity, and economic resilience.
