Nigerians React to Senator Nwebonyi’s Motion to Relocate Villages Near Abuja Airport

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has stirred reactions from Nigerians after proposing to relocate villagers near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Speaking during a Senate session on Tuesday, Senator Nwebonyi argued that the sight of “old houses and rural settlements” near the airport creates a negative impression for international visitors arriving in the country.

I want the FCT Minister to extend his development of the FCT within the surroundings of Abuja Airport. If you are descending into the airport, the type of infrastructure within the environs does not represent a good image of Nigeria, and I think that the FCT minister should capture that in his next budget to either relocate the habitats or renew the area, because the buildings in the community are the mirror of the country, the senator said.

His statement has sparked criticism from Nigerians on social media, who claimed the motion is elitist and insensitive to the plight of rural communities and argued that instead of displacing residents, the government should focus on developing basic infrastructure and inclusive urban planning.

As you descend into the Abuja airport, if you consider the view, you will agree with me that it is an eyesore and doesn’t give a good image of the nation. I urge all my colleagues to support this important bill that will transform the country, Nwebonyi continued.

However, he was replied to by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying that this community is some people’s village. The image of the nation does not start from where you are descending. You will see creeks and water when you descend into my own state (Akwa Ibom). Are you saying that we should relocate that so it won’t spoil your eyes?”

This is not the first time Senator Nwebonyi has drawn reactions. He was engaged in a heated exchange with Obi Ezekwesili during the hearing on Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual allegation.

Read Also: Nigeria’s National Assembly Padded 2025 Budget with Dubious, Vague Projects Worth N6.93 Trillion – BudgIT

The embarrassing action that began after he urged the committee to allow him to make his submission if Mrs Ezekwesili’s team was not ready to proceed. Mrs Ezekwesili then cut in, telling the senator, “Can you shut up?’

In response, Nwebonyi attacked the former minister. He said she would “never be a senator” and called her “an insult to womanhood.” Why should you talk to a senator like that? You can never be a senator. You are an insult to womanhood, the senator, visibly angry, said.

The comment was widely condemned as disrespectful, especially given Ezekwesili’s long-standing public service and advocacy record.

About The Author

Oluwasegun Sanusi

author

See author's posts