The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum (NDENYLF) has issued a strong statement condemning what they describe as “targeted personal attacks” on the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and political leaders from the southern parts of Nigeria.
The forum expressed their dismay over what they see as an organized effort to undermine Southern leadership in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a press statement issued by the body, the youth leaders speaking through Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) President, Jonathan Lokpobiri, highlighted a pattern of what they believe to be unjustified criticism and plots against prominent Southern figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onneghen, and former Acting Director General of the Department of State Security Services, Dr. Matthew Seiyefa, among others.
The forum pointed out the contrast between the treatment of Southern and Northern political leaders, citing the uninterrupted eight-year tenure of Senator David Mark as Senate President under Northern leadership. In comparison, they noted that the current Southern-led Senate has faced resistance, particularly from the Northern region.
The youth leaders expressed concern over recent developments involving the current Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who hails from the South. They warned that any attempts to undermine or impeach Senator Akpabio would be met with “serious consequences.”
The forum also criticized those who have attempted to misconstrue Senator Akpabio’s informal remarks during a recent address in Port Harcourt, where he urged his kinsmen to remain peaceful and avoid violent protests. SNEYLF dismissed these criticisms as “preposterous.”
While acknowledging the harsh economic realities faced by Nigerians, the youth leaders placed the blame squarely on the previous administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari. They accused the Buhari administration of laying the foundation for the country’s current economic challenges, citing unexplainable borrowings and mismanagement of the nation’s resources.
The forum underscored their support for Senator Akpabio and other Southern leaders, urging all Nigerians to unite behind them for the betterment of the country. They also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other national leaders to address the genuine needs of Nigerians urgently.
“Long live Nigeria,” the statement concluded, reflecting the forum’s commitment to the nation’s unity and progress.
