Arewa Revival Project rejects 48hr ultimatum issued to Akpabio on Natasha

The Arewa Revival Project (ARP) has opposed the recent 48 -hour ultimatum issued by the Arewa Youth Assembly For Good Leadership (AYAGL) to Senator Godswill Akpabio concerning the suspension of Senator Natasha Uduaghan.

ARP Project Coordinator, Hon. Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim who disclosed this at a Press Conference on Tuesday in Abuja believed the approach taken by the group is inflammatory, divisive, and ultimately counterproductive to peace and stability of the great nation.

Report has it that the AYAGL Speaker, Abdul Danbature, at a news conference on Monday in Abuja, gave Akpabio 48 hours to reverse the senator Natasha’s suspension over sexual allegation.
Danbature also threatened that the group would block Lokoja and Kaduna highway, occupy the national Assembly and stage mass protests if its demands were not met, while calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the senate president to order.

Arewa Revival Project said further that the language used by Ambassador Abdul Danbature, Speaker of AYAGL, in calling for mass protests and the occupation of
National Assembly is deeply troubling adding that it is an affront to democratic processes and institutions that serve as the backbone of the governance system.

“Such ultimatums not only disregard the established rules, regulations governing the operations of the National Assembly, but also incite unnecessary tension and unrest. It is essential to remember that the suspension of any senator, including Senator Natasha Uduaghan.
“Follows due process, and the circumstances surrounding such actions must be examined through established legal and procedural frameworks, rather than through knee- jerk reactions fueled by emotion or partisanship”, the group stated.

The group added, “While we understand and empathize with concerns regarding
fairness, equity, and justice, it’s important to approach such matters through constructive dialogue and legal channels. Threats of mass protests and disruptive actions are not the solution to issues within our political system”.

The Arewa Revival Project who said it strongly believes in the power of peaceful
engagement, mutual respect, adherence to the rule of law as the most effective means of resolving disputes, called for thoroughly investigation to Natasha’s sexual allegation.
“However, such an investigation must be free of political interference, and parties involved must allow truth to come to light without succumbing to undue pressure or sensationalism. It ensure justice and accountability in a manner that upholds the dignity of all those involved, while protecting the sanctity of democratic institutions”.

Furthermore, the group urged for a firm stance against individuals or political actors who use or incite violence as a tool for political gain. “It become evident that some elements within our political system have resorted to sponsoring violence and unrest to further their own interests.

“These actions must be unequivocally condemned, and those responsible should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Politicians sponsoring violence must be sanctioned to prevent further destabilization of our democracy”, ARP said.
While saying violence is never an acceptable political strategy, and should never be tolerated by any responsible
leader or institution, the group appealed to all Northern-based NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to remain impartial, law-abiding, and focused on their mission of serving the people.

“It is crucial that the credibility of our organizations is not compromised
by political gamesmanship. In these challenging times, the Northern region and the nation need more constructive voices and actions that promote peace, unity, and progress”.

The Arewa Revival Project called on all politicians, past, present to understand that true leadership is about service to the people, not the pursuit of personal interests or political vendettas. “Political leaders must put the nation above their ambitions and engage in actions that support the greater good of the people they represent”.