The Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) has strongly criticized the ongoing calls for the removal of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, dismissing them as politically motivated and destabilizing. The group condemned what it described as a deliberate attempt by vested interests to create turmoil in the Senate by exploiting the controversy involving Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its President, Frank Ebikabo, and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, the IYN expressed concern over the growing agitation against Akpabio, insisting that the impeachment threats were driven by paid agents with ulterior motives rather than national interest. The group argued that resorting to political lynching instead of objective engagement would only undermine the stability of the National Assembly.
“We strongly oppose the calls for impeachment, as they appear to be fueled by a well-orchestrated campaign to sow discord within the Senate. The proper approach to any controversy should be one that upholds transparency, fairness, and stability in governance,” the statement read.
IYN called for transparency and objectivity in the handling of the matter, saying it has implicit confidence in the leadership abilities of the former governor of Akwa Ibom State.
It urged Nigerians not to be deceived into believing the conspiracy, and the allegations against Akpabio even before the matter was resolved.
The Ijaw youths enjoined the former Minister of Nigeria Delta Affairs to be resolute and focused on his responsibilities to the country even in this trying times.
The statement read in part, “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.
“As stakeholders in the Niger Delta, we have observed the remarkable leadership qualities and activities of the Senate President for years.
“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.
“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.”
