Natasha controversy: You’re anti-North, Arewa Group tells Akpabio

*I didn’t defend her -Ex Senate President Lawan
 
By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja 
 
The controversy generated by the suspension of Senator Natasha AKpoti-Uduaghan is far from abating as a northern group has accused Senate President, Godswill Akpabio of being against the interest of the North because of the suspension.
The Group, the Arewa Youth Assembly For Good Leadership has therefore has called for an immediate reversal of the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti, alleging that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been engaging in discriminatory and anti-democratic practices that target the North.
The embattled Senator Natasha represents Kogi state, one of the 19 northern states of Nigeria.
At a world press conference held on Tuesday, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly, expressed outrage at the treatment of Northern Senators under Akpabio’s leadership. Danbature highlighted that the ongoing tension within the Senate is a direct result of Akpabio’s actions, which, he claimed, have systematically undermined Northern representation.
“We have endured and tolerated Akpabio beyond limit, and now it is time to speak out,” said Danbature. “We believe Akpabio is directly or indirectly fighting the North, and the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti is the latest example of his unfair and targeted actions.”
The group specifically questioned the motives behind Akpoti’s suspension, which has been described by Northern youth leaders as unjustified. “What has Senator Natasha done to warrant her suspension from legislative duties for six months?” Danbature asked, adding, “What has Northern Nigeria done to deserve this treatment?”
Akpoti’s suspension, which followed her vocal criticism of policies affecting the North, has sparked outrage. The Arewa Youth Assembly believes that the suspension is part of a broader pattern of selective justice, where Northern Senators are unfairly targeted for their positions and beliefs.
The Assembly also challenged Akpabio’s leadership, accusing him of creating divisions within the Senate and undermining the unity of the country. “Northern Nigeria deserves more than what it’s getting from Akpabio as Senate President,” Danbature remarked. “Without the overwhelming support of our senators from the North, Akpabio wouldn’t be sitting as Senate President today.”
In addition to calling for Akpabio’s accountability, the Arewa Youth Assembly issued a public plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the matter. They believe that Akpabio’s actions may have occurred with the tacit approval of the President, and they called on both Northern and Southern leaders to come together and ensure justice and fairness.
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti is a national disgrace,” Danbature said. “We are now a laughing stock in the committee of nations. Akpabio must stop relegating the North, and we demand that Senator Natasha Akpoti be recalled within 48 hours. Otherwise, we will be forced to take action.”
The group warned that failure to act would lead to civil protests across Northern Nigeria, including roadblocks on major highways and gatherings at the National Assembly complex. “We are ready and prepared to engage in civil protest until our demands are met,” Danbature stated.
In conclusion, Danbature emphasized the need for immediate action, urging Akpabio to reverse the suspension and cease his “anti-North” policies. “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to wade into this matter. Some sections of the North believe Akpabio could not have done this without his knowledge.”
The Arewa Youth Assembly made it clear that they would continue to fight for fairness and justice in Nigeria’s Senate, and that they would not back down until their demands were met.
Meanwhile, a prominent Senator from the North and immediate past President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has denied defending Natasha when the debate on her suspension held.
A statement on Tuesday said the Office of the President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has dismissed as false reports circulating in the media suggesting that he defended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against allegations of sexual harassment involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio. These reports are a gross misrepresentation of the facts, and the 9th Senate President’s office wishes to set the record straight.
 
According to a press statement from Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, Media Adviser to Senator Ahmad Lawan, President of the 9th Senate on Tuesday, during the Senate plenary session on Thursday, March 6, 2025, Senator Lawan drew attention to a recommendation contained in the report by the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions. The recommendation proposed the withdrawal of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security aides. This action, the statement  went on was in line with Senator Lawan’s capacity as a respected member of the upper chamber, ensuring that the Senate’s rules and procedures are upheld.
 
The controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan began when she filed a petition against Senate President Akpabio, alleging sexual harassment. However, the Nigerian Senate dismissed the petition, citing procedural violations and declaring it “dead on arrival” ¹. The decision sparked a heated exchange in the red chamber, with legal and ethical debates dominating the plenary session.
 
Senator Lawan’s intervention was guided by procedural concerns, as he cautioned against setting a dangerous precedent that could be exploited against lawmakers in the future. His remarks were aimed at upholding the National Assembly’s integrity and independence, rather than defending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or taking sides in the allegations against the Senate President.
 
In keeping with his commitment to due process and the rule of law, Senator Lawan’s intervention was a matter of principle. He remains dedicated to ensuring the stability and dignity of the National Assembly. The media and the public are urged to disregard any insinuations suggesting otherwise.