President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred reactions following a light-hearted remark suggesting he could send Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the opposition camp to destabilise it.

The President made the comment on Tuesday while speaking at the inauguration of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) headquarters in Abuja, an event attended by senior government officials and stakeholders in the country’s fiscal sector.

In a moment that drew laughter from the audience, Tinubu said, “Senate President, I will send you to the other side to represent me. And then you can scatter them any way you want.

They’re confused!” Although delivered jokingly, the remark has since generated conversations within political circles, with differing interpretations of its meaning and implications. The event itself was centred on the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen revenue generation and improve tax administration.

The newly inaugurated NRS headquarters is part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and coordination in the country’s tax system.

Observers note that Tinubu used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, particularly in boosting internally generated revenue and reducing reliance on oil earnings.

Reactions to the President’s comment have been mixed. Supporters described it as harmless political humour meant to energise allies, while critics argued that such remarks could be seen as dismissive of opposition parties and the role they play in a democratic system. Political analysts say the statement reflects the increasingly charged political atmosphere as parties begin early positioning ahead of future elections.

Tinubu concluded his speech on a patriotic note, saying, “God bless Nigeria, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the tax collectors.”