Ijaw youths decry calls for Akpabio s removal as Senate President Akpabio
The Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) has denounced demands for the impeachment of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, amid the ongoing controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The group labeled the impeachment calls as unwarranted, accusing certain individuals with vested interests of attempting to destabilize the Senate through the unfolding situation.
“We are constrained to vehemently condemn the unnecessary calls for the impeachment of the Senate President by paid agents motivated by interests other than patriotism.
“A willful attempt to foment instability in the Senate cannot be the right way to approach any controversy. We are against it,” the IYN stated in a statement on Thursday, signed by its president, Frank Ebikabo, and secretary, Federal Ebiaridor.
The organization emphasized the need for fairness and transparency in addressing the issue, expressing confidence in Akpabio’s leadership abilities and urging Nigerians to avoid rushing to judgment before the matter is properly resolved.
The statement continued, “The Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) has observed with keen interest the raging drama involving the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“At this point, transparency and objectivity should be the watchword in resolving the burning issue distracting the Senate.
“While we believe that the issue should be transparently handled in the National Assembly, we are worried about the apparent conspiracy and the lynch mob crying murder against the Senate President.”
The IYN further highlighted Akpabio’s longstanding track record of leadership in the Niger Delta, stating that while they do not intend to prejudge the investigation, some of the allegations appear implausible.
“While we are not prejudging the ongoing investigation, we make bold to state our deep reservations over the claim that the Senate President took Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to his residence like one school child to show her his house, to convince her to have good time with him in his country home.
“We know that as Senate President, Akpabio has access to any Senator and does not need to make such a move in the presence of Natasha’s husband who happens to be his friend.”
The group called on Akpabio to remain focused on his legislative duties despite the controversy and reassured their faith in his capacity to make decisions that serve both the Niger Delta and the nation.
“We urge Nigerians to avoid vilification of the Senate President even before the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
“We have confidence in his ability to make the right legislative decisions in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed Nigeria.”