Senate President Godswill Akpabio has claimed that certain individuals in Adamawa and Kwara states are actively seeking his removal from office.
Akpabio suggested that some of these individuals, who are familiar with the Senate’s rules on unethical conduct, are intentionally overlooking the core issues, driven by political opposition.
Although he refrained from naming anyone specifically, it was reported that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, from Adamawa, and former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, from Kwara, had both publicly called for Akpabio’s resignation over the issue involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Oduaghan (Kogi Central).
However, Akpabio stressed that those criticizing him should understand that as Senate President, he represents not just his own constituency or party, but also an entire region—the Niger Delta—that has not held the position for the past 46 years.
He made these remarks during a visit from youth leaders of various ethnic groups at the Senate Guest House in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday night.
Akpabio pointed out, “The first time the Niger Delta had a Senate President, as you rightly noted, was 46 years ago. Whatever the opposition may do, we will not treat that office lightly,” emphasizing that the Senate President represents the entire people of the Niger Delta.
On the matter of the seating dispute involving Natasha Akpoti-Oduaghan (Kogi Central), which led to accusations of sexual harassment, Akpabio stated that people were criticizing without fully understanding the Senate’s rules and the underlying issues.
He remarked, “You must read the Bible before you can quote it accurately. Those unfamiliar with the National Assembly’s internal workings may not understand what led to her suspension. The Senate’s ‘red book’ contains the standing orders, and when you enter the Senate, it’s provided to you. In the House of Representatives, they provide a ‘green book.’ People seem more interested in creating content than addressing the real issues.”
Akpabio went on to explain, “When you enter a place, you must conform to its standards. The Senate is like a family, and we have our internal mechanisms. We uphold the rule of law, and if an issue is taken to court, it can no longer be discussed in the Senate. We do not interfere with legal processes because we are responsible for making the laws.”
Regarding Natasha’s six-month suspension, Akpabio defended the Senate’s unanimous decision, noting that no one opposed the motion. “We are a respected institution and will maintain our integrity. We cannot allow issues of privilege to be raised from another person’s seat,” he said.
Addressing broader issues, Akpabio assured youth leaders that the government was committed to development in the Niger Delta. He mentioned that President Bola Tinubu had instructed the Minister of Works to begin work on the coastal highway connecting the South-South and South-East regions.
He also promised to convey the concerns about the Itape rail project and work with the Minister to ensure the rail line reaches Abuja, emphasizing a holistic approach to development.
On the situation in Rivers State, Akpabio acknowledged the crisis and assured the youth leaders that efforts would be made to address it, stressing that peace in Rivers was essential for peace in the Niger Delta.
Earlier, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, leader of the youth ethnic groups and head of the Ijaw Youth Council, expressed concerns about the political crisis in Rivers State and the threat it posed to the region. He called on Akpabio to intervene, noting that the situation had escalated beyond a family dispute to a matter of regional stability.
The youth leader also expressed support for Akpabio, encouraging him to manage the Natasha Akpoti-Oduaghan issue with wisdom, despite the embarrassment it had caused. He emphasized the importance of the Senate President’s office to the people of the Niger Delta and assured Akpabio of their backing.
The youth leaders also raised concerns about the delayed establishment of the University of Maritime in Oron, which was passed by NASS in 2022 but has yet to begin operations. They called for an explanation and urged that the university be made operational, as they believe it would help reduce insecurity in the region.
“We are confident that the Niger Delta can prosper once open for business,” the youth leader concluded, expressing a desire to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the region’s development.
