By Ene Oshaba
The North Central Youth Council (NCYC), in collaboration with the Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN), Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and Arewa Youth Union (AYU), have strongly condemned the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, calling it a “joke taken too far.”
In a joint press conference held Thursday in Abuja, the youth groups issued a set of demands aimed at addressing what they described as an unconstitutional and unjust action against the senator. The groups’ central demand is the immediate recall of Senator Akpoti Uduaghan to the Senate, along with a public apology from Senate President Akpabio. They emphasized that the suspension, which they argue lacked due process, is in violation of both the Nigerian Constitution and established Senate rules.
“We call for the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and an official apology from the Senate President for this unwarranted action,” said Comrade Franca Francis, Deputy National President of NCYC.
“This suspension not only disrespects the principles of democracy, but it is also a direct affront to the people of Kogi Central, who democratically elected Senator Akpoti Uduaghan.”
The youth leaders further criticized the actions of Senate President Akpabio, arguing that his role in the suspension undermines the integrity of the Senate. “Senator Akpabio cannot be the judge in his own case,” they asserted, demanding that the Senate President step aside from his duties until a full investigation into the matter is completed.
Additionally, the groups are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and “call the Senate President to order” to prevent further abuse of power.
The press conference also addressed a broader concern: the alleged sexual harassment case involving the senator. The youth groups have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, insisting that it should not be overlooked or swept under the carpet.
“We stand fully behind Senator Akpoti Uduaghan in all ramifications,” said Mallam Isah Abubakar, National President of the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria. “We will not stand idly by while the law is violated, and if this suspension continues, we are prepared to take action in defense of her rights and the rights of the people she represents.”
The groups also made it clear that any efforts to recall Senator Akpoti Uduaghan through what they termed a “kangaroo arrangement” would be rejected, calling it an illegal move that would have no legitimacy.
The youth organizations’ joint statement concluded with a clear warning: they are prepared to take to the streets if the Senate does not reverse the suspension, stressing that the senator’s rights, and those of her constituents, must be respected.
Signed:
- Comrade Franca Francis, Deputy National President, NCYC
- Mallam Isah Abubakar, National President, NYCN
- Rt. Hon IM Lawal, Speaker, NYAN
- Comrade Mohammed O.S. Mohammed, President, AYU
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By Ene Oshaba
The North Central Youth Council (NCYC), in collaboration with the Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN), Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and Arewa Youth Union (AYU), have strongly condemned the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, calling it a “joke taken too far.”
In a joint press conference held Thursday in Abuja, the youth groups issued a set of demands aimed at addressing what they described as an unconstitutional and unjust action against the senator. The groups’ central demand is the immediate recall of Senator Akpoti Uduaghan to the Senate, along with a public apology from Senate President Akpabio. They emphasized that the suspension, which they argue lacked due process, is in violation of both the Nigerian Constitution and established Senate rules.
“We call for the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and an official apology from the Senate President for this unwarranted action,” said Comrade Franca Francis, Deputy National President of NCYC.
“This suspension not only disrespects the principles of democracy, but it is also a direct affront to the people of Kogi Central, who democratically elected Senator Akpoti Uduaghan.”
The youth leaders further criticized the actions of Senate President Akpabio, arguing that his role in the suspension undermines the integrity of the Senate. “Senator Akpabio cannot be the judge in his own case,” they asserted, demanding that the Senate President step aside from his duties until a full investigation into the matter is completed.
Additionally, the groups are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and “call the Senate President to order” to prevent further abuse of power.
The press conference also addressed a broader concern: the alleged sexual harassment case involving the senator. The youth groups have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, insisting that it should not be overlooked or swept under the carpet.
“We stand fully behind Senator Akpoti Uduaghan in all ramifications,” said Mallam Isah Abubakar, National President of the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria. “We will not stand idly by while the law is violated, and if this suspension continues, we are prepared to take action in defense of her rights and the rights of the people she represents.”
The groups also made it clear that any efforts to recall Senator Akpoti Uduaghan through what they termed a “kangaroo arrangement” would be rejected, calling it an illegal move that would have no legitimacy.
The youth organizations’ joint statement concluded with a clear warning: they are prepared to take to the streets if the Senate does not reverse the suspension, stressing that the senator’s rights, and those of her constituents, must be respected.
Signed:
- Comrade Franca Francis, Deputy National President, NCYC
- Mallam Isah Abubakar, National President, NYCN
- Rt. Hon IM Lawal, Speaker, NYAN
- Comrade Mohammed O.S. Mohammed, President, AYU
