Group Condemns Plans To Recall Akpoti-Uduaghan

A coalition of the North Central Youth Council (NCYC) in conjunction with Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN), Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and Arewa Youth Union (AYU) have condemned the attempted recall of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a joke taken too far.

According to them, “The so call Kangaroo arrangement for recall is against the will of the people and it’s dead on arrival.”

The coalition, in a press briefing in Abuja, said “We condemn in totality the so called suspension and the attempted kangaroo recall of Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Democracy is not a personal property and shouldn’t be personalized. The senate must respect the rules governing the senate arms of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

While speaking on the suspension, the coalition, represented by Comrade Franca Francis of the NCYC; Mallam Isah Abubakar of the NYCN; Rt. Hon IM Lawal of the NYAN and Comrade Mohammed O.S. Mohammed of the AYU, said the senate should recall Akpoti-Uduaghan and let her apologise to the senate president.

The coalition also condemned the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, noting that “the suspension is unconstitutional, lack due process, fully bias, inadequate appeal process and fair hearing. Competent court has severely delivered similar judgement, that a Nigerian senator can not be suspended exceeding 14 legislative days, hence we demand the following with Immediate effects.”

On the sexual allegations against the senate president, the coalition said “The senate president should step aside as he can’t be a judge in his case. The sexual harassment case be thoroughly investigated and should not be swept under the carpet.”

The coalition also said they stand with the Kogi senator and would engage in peaceful protest up until their demands are met.

According to them, ” We shall match, if her suspension continues, for it’s against the law and the constitution of Nigeria. We are fully behind her in all ramifications.