NATASHA: Northern group accuses Akpabio of waging war against north

A northern group under the auspices of the Arewa Youth Assembly For Good Leadership (AYAGL), has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of waging a political war against the northern region with the recent suspension of the senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The group which made the allegations at press conference in Kaduna on Monday, also gave the Senate 48 hours to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan or they would mobilize their members to occupy the National Assembly Complex as well as block the Lokoja-Kaduna express road, and all major highways in the 19 Northern States and FCT.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, who addressed the press conference, alleged that Akpabio’s recent actions against northern senators indicate a deliberate attempt to silence critical voices from the region, and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene while warning that the Senate President’s alleged bias threatens national unity and democratic harmony.

Citing the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as one of such bias against the north, the group argued that Akpabio’s leadership has been riddled with unfair treatment of northern lawmakers.

“Going by what has happened under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, we believe Akpabio is fighting the North directly or indirectly,” Danbature said.

“For us as northern youths, we strongly believe Akpabio is fighting the entire northern region. He wants to silence all notable voices that are critical of his high-handedness and sectional politics.

“Our concerns are clear: Why was Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan suspended for six months? Why was her seat changed? Why was she removed as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content? And why are northern women consistently harassed under this Senate leadership?” Danbature queried.

“Our reasons for this belief are not far-fetched. The perfunctory suspension of distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti recently has reinforced our beliefs that Akpabio is fighting the North.

“What has Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan done to warrant her suspension from legislative duties for six months? What has she done to warrant her change of seat? What has she done to warrant her removal as Senate Committee Chairman on Local Content? And above all, what have Northern women done to deserve continued harassment?

“What has Northern Nigeria done against Senator Akpabio to stop a motion moved by Senator Natasha on the NLNG gas pipeline project to Northern Nigeria? A lot of questions are begging for answers, and we hope Senator Akpabio will provide answers.

“Northern Nigeria deserves more than what it’s getting from Akpabio as Senate President. Without the overwhelming support of our Senators from the North, Akpabio wouldn’t be sitting as Senate President today.

“He must stop the victimisation of Senators from the North. He must stop his selective justice. He should realise that power, position, and influence are ephemeral.

“Akpabio must recall Senator Natasha within 48 hours, or we will mobilise and occupy the National Assembly, block the Lokoja-Kaduna Expressway, and shut down all 19 northern states, including the FCT. We are fully prepared for civil protests until justice is served.

“We are very much ready and prepared to engage in civil protest until our demands are met. We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to wade into this matter because some sections of the North believe Akpabio could not have done this without his imprimatur.

“As youths, we are using this medium to tell Akpabio that nothing lasts forever, no position is permanent, and no power is eternal. Therefore, we would like to advise him to be circumspect and treat his colleagues equally and fairly.

“As northern youths, we can no longer remain silent. Our senators are afraid to speak out for fear of witch-hunting and suspension. But we will not be intimidated. The mistreatment of northern senators under Akpabio’s leadership must stop,” Danbature emphasized.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now