Senate President Godswill Akpabio says those who want to protest can go ahead “but let us be there eating”.

Akpabio spoke at an event organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday in Rivers state.

A nationwide protest against ballooning inflation, and Nigeria’s worst cost of living crisis in decades, has been slated for August.

Some chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and a coterie of politicians in the south-west, have described the planned protest as a ploy to topple the Bola Tinubu administration.

During the event, Akpabio said he is not interested in “regime change”.

“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.”

He added that the national assembly is ready to help with legislation to curb oil spillage and environmental pollution in the region.

“The specific issues faced by the Niger Delta must be contained in that communique because we are going to make it available to Mr President,” he said.

“The ones that need legislation will come to us, the ones that need intervention will go to NDDC, the ones that need more money will go to the president and commander-in-chief and I assure that those issues will be addressed.”