By Maro Kura
The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of exhibiting bias against Northern Senators, following the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The group has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, urging Akpabio to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan within 48 hours or face widespread protests across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, AYAGL Speaker Ambassador Abdul Danbature expressed concerns over Akpabio’s leadership, stating that the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan reinforces their belief that the Senate President is acting against the interests of the Northern region.
Danbature questioned the grounds for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, her reassignment within the Senate, and her removal as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content. He also highlighted the blocking of a motion she moved regarding the NLNG gas pipeline project to Northern Nigeria, suggesting these actions indicate a pattern of marginalization.
The AYAGL emphasized that without the support of Northern Senators, Akpabio would not have ascended to his current position and warned against the victimization of Northern representatives. They called on leaders from both the Northern and Southern regions to address this issue in the interest of national unity and peace.
The group threatened to occupy the National Assembly Complex and block major roads across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory if their demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe. They also urged President Tinubu to intervene, expressing concerns that Akpabio’s actions might have higher approval.
In a cautionary note, the AYAGL reminded Akpabio of the transient nature of power and advised him to treat his colleagues with fairness and equity.
ENDS
Dan Zaki Media 