Senate President Godswill Akpabio has told Nigerians that while they protest against the government, he and other officials will continue to enjoy the benefits of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Akpabio made this statement at a meeting with the NDDC executive management, Niger Delta ethnic nationalities, and other stakeholders in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, few days ahead of the planned nationwide protests from August 1 to 10.

The protests, organized mainly by youths, are against poverty, unemployment, and hardship in the country.

While experts worry that the protests could cost the economy around N4 trillion and pose grave dangers to the already fragile economy, Akpabio remains unfazed.

He said, “All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while,” the senate president said.

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 there eating — I must thank the Niger Delta.

“So in conclusion, we acknowledge the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region has done immeasurable damage to our people.”

The Senate President appealed to Nigerians to give the Tinubu administration more time to implement its policies.

He said, “As the Senate president, I want to appeal to all Nigerian youths to give this administration an opportunity for most of the policies to mature.”