By: Joy Musa
Nigeria’s political landscape is bracing for a potential crisis as the powerful Arewa Group has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, demanding the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and an end to what they describe as the systematic harassment of Northern lawmakers.
The group has warned of severe consequences, including major highway blockades, mass protests, and the potential storming of the National Assembly, should Akpabio fail to meet their demands. These threats raise critical questions: Is Akpabio leading a targeted purge against Northern senators, or is this a political maneuver by Northern elites to manipulate the situation for their own interests?
The Arewa Group’s Threats: A Nation on the Brink
The Arewa Group, a coalition representing influential Northern stakeholders, has vowed to:
Block key highways: This includes the Lokoja-Lagos Road, a critical economic artery that connects the North to the South, potentially crippling inter-regional trade.
Mobilize mass protests: Northern cities could see widespread protests, escalating tensions in an already volatile environment.
Storm the National Assembly: The group has demanded Akpabio’s resignation and threatened to escalate their actions if their calls are ignored.
The potential economic consequences of such actions are severe. Previous protests, like those during the #EndSARS movement in 2021, caused significant disruptions, with Lagos alone incurring over ₦700 billion in losses. A nationwide shutdown could result in billions of naira in lost revenue, further straining Nigeria’s already fragile economy.
Security Concerns: Can Nigeria Afford Another Crisis?
Nigeria’s security forces are already stretched thin, combating insurgencies and banditry in the North, and dealing with the activities of groups like IPOB in the South. A large-scale national protest and subsequent shutdown could further destabilize the country, weakening security efforts and potentially opening the door for greater unrest.
The Allegations Against Akpabio: A Targeted Attack on Northern Senators?
The Arewa Group’s claims are built on a series of controversial suspensions involving Northern senators:
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi): Suspended after alleging ₦3 trillion budget padding in the government.
Senator Ali Ndume (Borno): Marginalized following a clash with Akpabio over Senate procedures.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi): Suspended after raising a contentious petition in the Senate.
All three senators hail from the North, leading the Arewa Group to argue that Akpabio’s actions represent a coordinated attack on Northern voices in the Senate. They claim that these suspensions are not just disciplinary measures but part of a broader, calculated political purge.
On the other hand, Akpabio’s supporters maintain that the suspensions are not motivated by regional bias, but by the need to maintain order and discipline within the Senate. They argue that any senator disrupting Senate proceedings or engaging in misconduct should face consequences, regardless of their region.
Akpabio’s Controversial Past: A Closer Look
The allegations against Akpabio go beyond his actions in the Senate:
Corruption Allegations: The EFCC investigated Akpabio for the misappropriation of ₦108 billion during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom. However, the case remains unresolved, casting doubt on his integrity.
Sexual Harassment Accusations: Akpabio was accused of sexual harassment by a National Directorate of Employment (NDDC) official in 2021, though he denied the allegations.
Economic Disruptions: The Arewa Group accuses Akpabio of deliberately delaying the NLNG gas pipeline project, which was intended to boost Northern Nigeria’s economy by connecting key states like Kogi, Kaduna, and Kano.
Despite these controversies, Akpabio’s rise to Senate President has left many questioning the political forces that have shielded him from greater scrutiny.
Tinubu’s Dilemma: Intervene or Stay Silent?
As the deadline for the Arewa Group’s ultimatum draws near, the crisis now lands squarely on President Bola Tinubu’s shoulders. His response could have significant political ramifications:
Intervention: If Tinubu pressures Akpabio to reinstate Natasha and address the grievances of Northern senators, he risks alienating Southern political allies and weakening his standing with key Southern powerbrokers.
Non-intervention: If the president ignores the demands, he could jeopardize his relationship with the North, a crucial voting bloc in the upcoming 2027 elections.
With the political stakes high, the next 48 hours could prove decisive for Nigeria’s political future.
What Lies Ahead?
The country now faces a precarious situation, where the potential for mass protests, economic disruptions, and heightened political tension looms large. Whether the demands of the Arewa Group will be met, or if Nigeria is heading towards a full-blown crisis, remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the situation is rapidly evolving, and both the government and the Senate will need to navigate this storm carefully to prevent further damage to the nation’s stability.
The clock is ticking, and in less than 48 hours, Nigeria will know whether it is heading toward another political and economic crisis.
