Group urges South-South leaders to intervene in Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan rift

The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council Worldwide (NENYLCW), on Saturday, called on South-South leaders to intervene in the lingering rift between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Expressing concern over the prolonged controversy, the youth organization said it was time for influential figures from the oil-rich region to wade in, reconcile both parties, and restore peace.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Terry Obieh (President General), Comrade Balarabe Rufai (Vice President), Mazi Okwu Nnabuike (National Publicity Secretary), Comrade Emmanuel Zopmal (Organizing Secretary), and Comrade Hamisu Muhammad Dass (Treasurer).

The group said, “Having watched for months without any sign of the controversy abating, we feel it is time South-South leaders stepped in to resolve this matter amicably.”

NENYLCW’s appeal comes months after Senator Natasha was suspended for allegedly breaching Senate rules, following her sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President.

“For weeks now, Nigerians have been treated with all kinds of news materials from one party to the other; at this stage, we firmly believe that it is time for a truce,” they said.

“This is a dispute between two families that used to be together, dine and drink together. We are still optimistic that the broken fence can be mended through the intervention of these respected leaders.

“They should not continue to sit on the fence while this matter continues to escalate; it doesn’t matter who is right or wrong at this point, what is important is for peace and harmony to be restored.”

The organisation also appealed to both Senator President and Senator Natasha to give peace a chance.