Senate President Akpabio Faces Backlash Over Poverty Remarks: “It Can Be a Virtue”
Abuja, Nigeria – April 29, 2025 — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has come under intense public scrutiny and condemnation following his recent comment that “poverty is not a crime” and can, in some instances, “be considered a virtue.” The statement, which was made during a plenary session of the Nigerian Senate, has ignited widespread outrage across the country, with many accusing the Senate President of trivializing the daily struggles of millions of impoverished Nigerians.
Akpabio, while addressing economic concerns raised by fellow lawmakers, remarked that in some cultures and religions, poverty is viewed as a sign of humility or moral virtue.
“Poverty is not a crime. In fact, in some faiths and traditions, it is even seen as a virtue — something that reflects discipline, simplicity, and detachment from materialism,” Akpabio said.
The comments were met with swift backlash, both within and outside the National Assembly. Nigerians took to social media in droves, with hashtags such as #PovertyIsNotAVirtue, #AkpabioInsensitive, and #ToneDeafLeadershiptrending within hours. Many citizens expressed deep disappointment, arguing that such statements are tone-deaf and reflect a growing disconnect between the country’s leadership and the masses.
Nigeria is currently grappling with record levels of poverty. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 133 million Nigerians — more than 63% of the population — are classified as multidimensionally poor, lacking access to basic necessities such as healthcare, clean water, education, and adequate nutrition. Economic hardship has worsened in recent years due to inflation, currency devaluation, high unemployment, and fuel subsidy removal.
Critics argue that Akpabio’s comments downplay the severity of the crisis.
“This is not the time to spiritualize poverty or paint it as something admirable. People are suffering, and they need practical solutions, not empty rhetoric,” said Dr. Funmi Adewale, an economist and policy analyst.
Human rights advocate Aisha Yesufu also weighed in:
“If poverty is a virtue, why are our leaders not embracing it? Why do they live in luxury while the majority sleep hungry? Leadership should be about empathy, not mockery.”
Opposition lawmakers have demanded an apology from the Senate President and called on the ruling government to show more seriousness in tackling economic hardship.
“This kind of statement is unacceptable from someone occupying such a high office,” said Senator Yusuf Buba. “What Nigerians need are policies that lift people out of poverty, not lectures on the virtues of suffering.”
Several civil society organizations, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), condemned the remarks as “unconscionable,” noting that government officials must be held accountable for failing to implement poverty alleviation programs effectively.
The Labour Party, under which Peter Obi contested the 2023 presidential election, released a statement urging Nigerian leaders to speak responsibly and understand the weight their words carry.
“Calling poverty a virtue is dangerous. It could be seen as an excuse for government inaction,” the statement read.
As of the time of this report, Akpabio has not issued a formal apology or clarification. His media aides have also declined to comment on the matter.
This controversy adds to growing public dissatisfaction with the political elite, many of whom are perceived to be disconnected from the plight of ordinary Nigerians. With the economy struggling and public trust in institutions eroding, Akpabio’s comments may further deepen the divide between the governed and their leaders.
What are your thoughts concerning this Senate President Akpabio statement?
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