Ijaw Youths Condemn ‘Sponsored’ Calls for Akpabio’s Removal: Urge Senate to Resist Political Destabilization

The Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) has strongly denounced the calls for Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s impeachment, labeling them as a sponsored ploy aimed at destabilizing the upper legislative chamber. The group expressed concern that certain vested interests and political actors are orchestrating a campaign to create unrest in the Senate over the controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.  

In a statement released on Thursday, signed by IYN President Frank Ebikabo and Secretary Federal Ebiaridor, the group rejected the impeachment demands, describing them as unnecessary, politically motivated, and counterproductive.  

“We vehemently condemn the calls for the impeachment of the Senate President, which are being championed by paid agents with motives far removed from patriotism,” the statement read.  

“An orchestrated attempt to create instability in the Senate cannot be the right approach to addressing any controversy. We strongly oppose such moves.” 

The Ijaw Youths Network emphasized the need for fairness and transparency in handling the matter, urging Nigerians not to be misled by politically motivated narratives against Akpabio. The group reaffirmed its confidence in Akpabio’s leadership and urged him to remain focused on his legislative responsibilities despite the distractions.  

“At this point, objectivity and fairness should be the guiding principles in resolving this matter, which has unfortunately become a distraction to the Senate,” the statement continued.  

“While we support a thorough and transparent investigation by the National Assembly, we are concerned about the apparent conspiracy and the media trial being orchestrated against the Senate President.” 

IYN also expressed skepticism over the allegations against Akpabio, particularly the claim that he invited Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to his residence under questionable circumstances. The group argued that as Senate President, Akpabio has access to any senator and would not have needed to engage in such actions, especially in the presence of Natasha’s husband, who is also his friend.  

“While we are not prejudging the ongoing investigation, we find it hard to believe that the Senate President would need to take Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to his residence like a schoolchild just to convince her to have a good time in his country home.” 

“Akpabio, by virtue of his office, has direct access to any senator. The narrative being peddled against him simply does not add up.”
 
The IYN further urged Nigerians to resist attempts to vilify Akpabio prematurely, emphasizing the importance of allowing due process to take its course. The group warned against a lynch-mob mentality, where public figures are condemned before investigations are concluded.  
“We caution against the ongoing media trial and hasty judgments. The Senate President deserves a fair hearing, not a political witch-hunt.”

As the controversy continues to unfold, the Ijaw Youths Network has called for calm, objectivity, and adherence to due process. The group urged Akpabio to remain steadfast in his leadership, stressing that the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole stand to benefit from his continued stability and legislative experience.