The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council Worldwide (NENYLCW) has called on respected figures in the South-South to intervene in the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement released to journalists on the 16th of May, 2025, the group said the disagreement has dragged on for too long.
They urged regional elders to step in before things spiral further. According to the council, the situation demands urgent attention from leaders of the oil-rich region.
Their statement follows months of tension after Senator Natasha’s suspension from the Senate. Her suspension came after she accused the Senate President of sexual harassment an action said to have violated the chamber’s rules.
The statement was signed by top council officials:
– Comrade Terry Obieh (President General)
– Comrade Balarabe Rufai (Vice President)
– Mazi Okwu Nnabuike (National Publicity Secretary)
– Comrade Emmanuel Zopmal (Organizing Secretary)
– Comrade Hamisu Muhammad Dass (Treasurer)
They said, “We feel it is time South-South leaders stepped in and resolved this matter amicably.”
NENYLCW listed former President Goodluck Jonathan, Obong Victor Attah, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and the leadership of PANDEF among those who should step up.
“These are not bystanders. They have the weight and wisdom to bring calm. An elder does not sit at home and watch a tethered goat deliver,” the statement added.
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The group expressed concern over the public back-and-forth between both camps in recent weeks.
“This is a dispute between two families that used to be together, dine and wine together. We are still optimistic that the broken fence can be mended through the intervention of these respected leaders.”
They stressed the need to de-escalate the issue.
“It doesn’t matter who is right or wrong at this point what matters is restoring peace and harmony,” they said.
NENYLCW also called on both Akpabio and Natasha to put their differences aside.
“The good people of Kogi West have been denied quality representation from Senator Natasha ever since she was suspended, and this does not augur well at all. The few months she has spent in the Senate, her marks are already indelible, but regrettably, the constituents are no longer enjoying that quality representation owing to her suspension.”
They closed with a firm appeal: “It is time for peace, it is time for truce. We urge both the Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha to reach a compromise and let peace reign.”