At the plenary early last week, Akpabio made a sarcastic presentation of the motion that had been moved by Senator Akintunde Abiodun, who represents the Oyo senatorial district. Akpabio was seeking the 'ayes' of the Senate to stop the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DisCos) from increasing tariff.

The insensitive manner in which the motion was adopted by the senators, who then burst out laughing, was perceived as offensive many Nigerians, which resulted in an onslaught of criticisms being leveled against the government.

In response to the objections raised by Nigerians, the President of the Senate issued a statement on Friday, dated July 27, and uploaded it online. In the statement, he claimed that it was unintended to offend the people and that he was aware of the difficulties that are caused by the high cost of living.

According to him, the purpose of the "let the poor breathe" movement "was to firmly reject any plan of increasing electricity tariffs for Nigerians, considering the ongoing economic challenges that Nigerians are faced with."

According to a statement issued by the media unit of the Senate, "We are deeply concerned about the negative tilting of a very harmless statement by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, about his deep concern and that of the Senate on the plight of the ordinary Nigerians as a result of the prevailing economic situation in the country." The statement goes on to say that "We are deeply concerned about the negative tilting of a very harmless statement."

"The statement 'Let The People Breathe' was made during the Plenary on the 26th of July 2023 by Senator Akintunde Abiodun while he was speaking on the motion to halt the planned increase in the price of electricity,"

In addition, it assuaged the fears of the Nigerian people by reassuring them that the Red Chamber would not make light of significant national concerns and reaffirmed that parliamentarians would not make light of the difficulties that the people were facing.

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It went on to say, "We want to assure the general public that all matters discussed during Senate sessions are of the utmost importance and are treated with great seriousness by the President of the Senate and his Distinguished colleagues." [Citation needed]

"It is of the utmost importance to clarify that the intentions of the mover of the motion and the comments of the President of the Senate were never to make light of the hardships, suffering, and economic challenges faced by Nigerians at this critical juncture," the statement read.In light of the prevailing economic difficulties that Nigerians are being forced to contend with, the intention of this proposal was to unequivocally oppose any idea that would raise energy rates for Nigerians.

"The fundamental focus of the present National Assembly, which is now being presided over by Senator Akpabio, is on the execution of effective and well-structured policies that are actually beneficial to the people. He has given the Nigerian people numerous assurances that the present Senate will work for the benefit of all Nigerians.

"The President of the Senate has a great deal of sympathy and understanding for Nigerians, and he has never treated the current economic situation that the country is experiencing as a joke of any kind.

We have high hopes that the newly appointed officials will promptly address the challenges and bring the much needed relief and succor to all citizens, thereby easing the current hardship and pains experienced by Nigerians. With the release of the ministerial list and the subsequent screening and swearing-in of the ministers, "His unwavering commitment lies in serving the best interests of the Nigerian people."