Leadership figures representing women across the Niger Delta region have delivered a firm one-month ultimatum to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging him to step down from his position in the esteemed chamber. The demand arises from his contentious remarks surrounding ‘holiday enjoyment’.Should this demand be unmet, these women leaders have declared their intent to rally over a million Niger Delta women for a significant demonstration at the National Assembly on September 26. This development unfolds merely a fortnight after Akpabio’s statement to fellow senators, revealing the allocation of funds to their accounts for their annual recess. During this announcement, Akpabio had stated, “In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly.”However, his words sparked intense debate and criticism from Nigerians, with many chastising the senators for their perceived insensitivity at a time when citizens are grappling with the repercussions of fuel subsidy removal.The National President of the Niger Delta Women League, Sheila Tamuno, released an official statement on Monday, demanding Akpabio’s immediate resignation. She accused him of ‘tarnishing the sanctity of the chamber by adding insult to the economic injuries suffered by ordinary Nigerian citizens.’Tamuno’s statement reads, “We urgently call upon Senator Godswill Akpabio to gracefully resign from his position as President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relinquish his gavel without delay. Furthermore, we implore esteemed senators to advocate for the welfare of the masses and, if necessary, vote to remove Akpabio should he not opt for an honorable path by stepping down from office.”She continued, “Considering Akpabio’s history and baggage, it would have been reasonable to expect him to distance himself from his checkered past while serving in the revered chambers. On September 26, 2023, we intend to assemble a force of one million Niger Delta Women at the doors of the National Assembly. This gathering will serve as an opportunity to express our gratitude if the Senate takes the right course of action, or to apply pressure if they fail to address this issue appropriately.””In the midst of our enduring economic struggles, marked by the inability to afford basic necessities, exorbitant transportation costs, inadequate healthcare, and escalating electricity tariffs, we refuse to stand idly by as Akpabio undermines even the faintest glimmers of hope through his reckless acts of impunity and indiscretion. Prudent action taken now will prevent larger repercussions down the line,” Tamuno concluded.