Niger Delta Youth Threaten Oil Shutdown Over Akpabio Controversy
A coalition of Niger Delta youth under the Amalgamated Southern Nigeria Youths Forum has issued a stern warning, threatening to shut down oil production in the region if continued verbal attacks on Senate President Godswill Akpabio persist. The group views the backlash against Akpabio, particularly from northern politicians, as an attempt to undermine his leadership and the political relevance of the Niger Delta.
Allegations of Harassment and Political Undermining
The controversy stems from the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central from the Senate, a decision that has sparked political tensions. Critics, particularly from the northern regions, have accused Akpabio of orchestrating the suspension, leading to widespread condemnation.
Victor Oleh, President of the youth forum, voiced strong opposition to what he described as a deliberate attack on a prominent Niger Delta leader. At a press briefing in Abuja, Oleh declared that youth in the region would not stand idle while their leader faced political persecution.
“We will not tolerate further harassment of Akpabio. If these attacks persist, we will mobilize and disrupt oil production across the region,” Oleh stated.
Threat to Oil Production: A Looming Crisis?
The youth leader warned that the Niger Delta, being Nigeria’s primary source of crude oil, holds significant economic power and would not hesitate to leverage it. According to Oleh, they are fully aware of the key players benefiting from the region’s resources and will take drastic action if necessary.
“If northern leaders continue to harass Akpabio, we will shut down oil production. We know the names of oil block owners and will not allow them to exploit our resources while undermining our leaders,” he warned.
Akpabio has also alleged that certain political figures from Kwara and Adamawa States are working against him due to his Niger Delta origin. Though he did not directly name anyone, his remarks are widely believed to reference former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—both of whom have called for an open probe into sexual harassment allegations leveled against him.
Ethnic Politics and Economic Injustice
At the briefing, Oleh criticized what he termed an ongoing economic imbalance, arguing that while Niger Delta’s crude oil wealth benefits the entire nation, mineral resources such as gold and lithium from northern states are not subjected to the same national revenue-sharing policies.
“You take revenue from our crude oil and gas but keep the profits from gold, lithium, and other minerals for yourselves. This injustice must stop,” Oleh stated.
He further alleged that there is a calculated attempt to weaken the Niger Delta’s political influence. According to him, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Akpabio are part of a larger plot to destabilize the region’s leadership.
“This agenda was handed to Senator Natasha to execute, but it has failed woefully. The false sexual harassment allegation is dead on arrival,” Oleh asserted.
Call for Presidential Intervention
The group has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what they describe as a targeted campaign against Akpabio. They warned that any attempt to remove him from office would be met with strong resistance.
“Mr. President, it is our right to hold the Senate presidency. Any further attempts to remove Akpabio will be met with serious resistance,” Oleh declared.
As tensions rise, the threat of an oil shutdown poses serious economic implications for Nigeria, where crude oil remains a primary revenue source. The standoff highlights the deep-seated regional tensions and the fragility of political alliances in the country.
Reference
Niger Delta Youth Threaten Oil Shutdown Over Akpabio Controversy