In a bold stance against what they term a “blatant abuse of power,” several prominent northern youth organizations have strongly condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan. The North Central Youth Council (NCYC), Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN), Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and Arewa Youth Union (AYU) have decried the move as unconstitutional and politically motivated.

At a joint press conference, the youth groups labeled the suspension as “a joke taken too far” by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, insisting that democracy must not be personalized. They emphasized that no senator should be suspended for more than 14 legislative days, citing previous court rulings affirming this position.

Demands by the Youth Groups:

1. Immediate Reinstatement & Apology: They called for Senator Natasha’s immediate recall and a public apology from the Senate President.

2. Respect for Kogi Central Constituency: An apology to the people of North Central, particularly Kogi Central, for what they describe as an attack on their democratic rights.

3. Akpabio Should Step Aside: They demand that Akpabio step down while investigations continue, arguing he cannot be a judge in his own case.

4. Opposition to ‘Kangaroo Recall’: They reject any attempt to recall Senator Natasha, calling it a predetermined, illegitimate process.

5. Presidential Intervention: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should intervene and call the Senate President to order.

6. Mass Mobilization if Suspension Persists: The groups warned that they would organize nationwide protests if the suspension is not lifted.

7. Support for Senator Natasha: They pledged full solidarity with her.

8. Sexual Harassment Allegations Must Be Investigated: They insist that any sexual harassment claims against her should be thoroughly investigated and not dismissed.

9. Right to Senate Privileges: They demand that Senator Natasha retain all her rights and privileges as a duly elected lawmaker.

The youth leaders reiterated that Senate President Akpabio’s actions undermine democratic principles and called for urgent intervention to uphold the rule of law.

Signed:

Comrade Franca Francis
Deputy National President, North Central Youth Council (NCYC) / Chairman of the Joint Press Conference

Mallam Isah Abubakar
National President, Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN)