The Arewa Youth Assembly For Good Leadership (AYAGL) has threatened to block the Lokoja-Kaduna highway and occupy the National Assembly if the Senate does not lift the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan within 48 hours. The group's Speaker, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, expressed concerns over perceived biases against northern senators under Senate President Godswill Akpabio's leadership. Danbature questioned the reasons behind Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension, her seat reassignment, and her removal as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content. He also highlighted the dismissal of her motion regarding the NLNG gas pipeline project to Northern Nigeria. The AYAGL has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, warning of potential protests and road blockages across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory if their demands are not met.
The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan following a confrontation with Senate President Akpabio over a seat reassignment. She accused Akpabio of sexual harassment after he ordered her removal from the chamber for not complying with the new seating arrangement. The Senate's Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions found her guilty of misconduct and recommended the six-month suspension.
In response, the Afe Annang socio-cultural organization from Akpabio's home state of Akwa Ibom expressed dissatisfaction with merely suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan. They called for her recall or replacement by her constituency, criticizing her conduct as unbecoming of a senator. They also warned against any attempts to undermine Akpabio's position as Senate President, emphasizing their support for his leadership.
Additionally, Niger Delta youths have demanded an apology from Akpoti-Uduaghan to Akpabio for her alleged disrespectful behavior during the Senate session. They issued a seven-day ultimatum for the apology, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum and respecting the Senate's rules and leadership.
These events have highlighted regional tensions and differing perspectives on the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, leading to various groups voicing their concerns and demands.