A coalition of Southern Nigerian youth groups, under the banner of the Amalgamated Southern Nigeria Youths Forum, has firmly opposed what they describe as a politically motivated attempt to unseat Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The group denounced the alleged move as a deliberate effort to destabilize Akpabio’s leadership and create unnecessary political tension in the country.
Alleged Conspiracy to Remove Akpabio
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group’s president, Hon. Oleh Victor, accused certain northern elements of orchestrating a smear campaign against Akpabio through Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi Central. He alleged that the false claims, including allegations of sexual harassment, were strategically designed to force Akpabio out of office.
“The plot to remove Senator Akpabio is dead on arrival. It is clear that certain individuals have handed Senator Natasha the task of executing this agenda, but they have failed completely,” Victor stated.
Akpabio’s Contributions to National Development
Defending Akpabio’s tenure, the group highlighted his numerous legislative achievements, particularly in favor of Northern Nigeria. Under his leadership, key bills such as the North Central Development Commission Bill and the North West Development Commission Bill were passed, contradicting claims that the North has been sidelined.
Emmanuel Okorafor, the forum’s secretary, dismissed the accusations of neglect, stating, “The 2024 and 2025 budgets contain several developmental projects for Northern Nigeria. These false claims are nothing more than politically motivated propaganda.”
Warning Against Political Exploitation
The forum issued a stern warning to the Arewa Youth Assembly, condemning their alleged interference in Senate affairs. The group accused them of exploiting ethnic politics to destabilize Southern leadership, vowing to resist any further attempts to undermine their region’s political standing.
“We will not sit idle while Northern interests use Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to harass our leader,” the group declared. “If these attacks persist, we are ready to take action that will shake the nation.”
Demand for Fair Resource Distribution
Expressing frustration over economic imbalances, the group criticized the allocation of multiple LNG plants to Kogi State, while oil-producing Niger Delta states were excluded. They called for equitable resource distribution, warning that any further economic exploitation of the South would not be tolerated.
“You take revenue from our crude oil and gas but keep the profits from gold, lithium, and other minerals to yourselves. This injustice must stop,” they asserted.
Threat of Retaliatory Action
The forum made it clear that if efforts to remove Akpabio persist, they will take drastic action, including blocking major roads and shutting down oil installations in the South.
“If Northern leaders continue their harassment, we will halt oil production. We know the owners of oil blocks, and we will not allow them to exploit our resources while undermining our leadership.”
Call for Presidential Intervention
The group called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution Northern leaders against further attempts to unseat Akpabio.
“Mr. President, we have the right to hold the Senate presidency. Any further attempt to remove Akpabio will be met with strong resistance,” they warned.
For more insights on Nigeria’s Senate leadership and political developments, visit Premium Times
READ ALSO:
Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp:
Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT MEDIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.