Abuja, Nigeria – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged to rally senators from the Niger Delta to address the escalating political crisis in Rivers State. He made this commitment on Friday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum, who visited him in solidarity.
Akpabio assured the delegation that he and his colleagues from the region would intervene to restore peace in Rivers State and any other sub-national entity facing similar turmoil.
The crisis in Rivers State has intensified following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the decision of the lower court to halt the state’s allocation until a valid House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, is constituted. In response, the Amaewhule-led Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget, which expired at midnight on Wednesday. Additionally, the Assembly directed the governor to dismiss all commissioners and political appointees and re-submit a fresh list of nominees for screening.
Akpabio Warns Critics Against Misrepresenting Senate Proceedings
Addressing public criticism over recent Senate actions, including the suspension of Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio cautioned against uninformed commentary on legislative matters.
He expressed concerns over individuals misinterpreting Senate rules and making baseless allegations. “People who have no understanding of parliamentary procedures should refrain from misleading the public,” Akpabio said. “The decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was unanimous, yet many have rushed to critique it without seeking the facts.”
Drawing an analogy, he likened uninformed commentary to a football fan analyzing professional play without firsthand experience. “You can’t be a herbalist and start quoting the Bible, nor can you interpret Senate rules without having studied them,” he added.
Niger Delta Leaders Back Akpabio, Seek Intervention in Regional Issues
The delegation, led by Ijaw Youth Council President Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, reaffirmed the Niger Delta’s support for Akpabio’s leadership, emphasizing the region’s historic significance in the Senate. Lokpobiri also urged Akpabio to intervene in the Rivers crisis, warning that unresolved tensions could destabilize the entire Niger Delta.
Additionally, the delegation raised concerns over key development projects, including the Coastal Road project, the delayed takeoff of the Maritime University in Oron, and the extension of the Warri-Itakpe rail line to Abuja.
In response, Akpabio assured them that President Bola Tinubu had already addressed the Coastal Road project and pledged to follow up on other pressing regional issues.
“We Will Continue to Settle Internal Issues” – Akpabio
Reiterating the Senate’s role in maintaining stability, Akpabio assured that the upper legislative chamber would continue deploying internal mechanisms to resolve issues. “We have settled this issue, and we will keep working to ensure peace,” he stated.
With tensions still high in Rivers State, all eyes remain on the Senate’s next steps in mediating the crisis.
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