Forum of Northern Parties Condemns Removal of Senator Natasha
The recent removal of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan as chair of the senate committee on local content by Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabioo GCON has generated widespread outrage and condemnation. This ill-advised decision has been roundly criticized by stakeholders, who view it as a clear manifestation of the Senate President's anti-northern sentiments.
According to Ayuba U Mohammed, the removal of Senator Akpoti is largely due to the perceived influence of the LNG facilities to the North. The Senate President reportedly questioned the rationale behind "moving the South-South resource to the North," which he believes would unfairly benefit the northern region at the expense of the South.
This reasoning is not only flawed but also betrays a narrow, regionalistic mindset that has no place in modern Nigeria. As Senate President, Senator Akpabio has a sacred responsibility to act in the best interests of the entire nation, rather than allowing personal biases and prejudices to guide his decisions.
The removal of Senator Akpoti and her replacement by Senator Joel Onowakpo of Delta South, with Senator Ede Dafinone of Delta Central as vice chairman, is a clear contravention of the Federal Character principle. This principle, enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, is designed to promote national unity and balance by ensuring that key positions are distributed fairly among the different regions and states.
By flagrantly disregarding this principle, Senator Akpabio has demonstrated a callous disregard for the sensibilities and aspirations of the northern region. This action has the potential to exacerbate existing regional tensions and undermine national cohesion, which is already under strain due to various challenges facing the country.
Furthermore, the removal of Senator Akpoti is a significant setback for the country's economic development. As a passionate advocate for local content development, Senator Akpoti had been working tirelessly to promote the growth of local industries and create jobs for Nigerian youths. Her removal from the committee is a clear blow to these efforts and can only serve to undermine Nigeria's economic prospects.
In light of these developments, it is imperative that Senator Akpoti be reinstated as chair of the senate committee on local content. This action would help to restore confidence in the Senate's commitment to national unity and development, while also demonstrating a willingness to address regional imbalances and promote inclusive development.
Ultimately, the Senate President's action has raised important questions about his leadership style and commitment to national development. As Nigeria navigates the complex challenges facing the nation, it is essential that leaders prioritize national unity, inclusive development, and the well-being of all citizens, rather than allowing personal interests and biases to guide their decisions.
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