A/Ibom Youths Cautions Natasha To Not Smear Akpabio Over Your Immaturity.
Uko Okon, Uyo
The Coalition of Youth Leaders (CYL) in Akwa Ibom State has warned Senator Natasha Akpoti to stop smearing Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a cover-up over her ‘immaturity” on the floor of the Senate.
The Group made this known through a statement tagged: A Rebuttal to the Allegations Against Senator Godswill Akpabio, which was made available to reporters on Sunday in Uyo.
The statement was jointly signed by the President of CYL, Mr. Micheal Okon, Secretary-General, Miss Nsisong Umoh and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Coordinator of CYL, Mr Raymond Ekpe.
According to the statement, the youth leaders described Senator Akpoti’s outburst on the Senate floor as an “avoidable distraction” and expressed concern that her behaviour has embarrassed the country. The coalition defended Senator Akpabio’s character, citing his record of empowering women during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
They urged Senator Akpoti to follow Senate procedures and lay her facts decently rather than attempting to smear Senator Akpabio’s reputation.
The youth leaders reiterated their support for Senator Akpabio and urged him to continue his good work.
The Statement reads: “The Coalition of Youth Leaders in Akwa Ibom State has resolved that the antics of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan are merely a ploy to divert attention from her immaturity on the Senate floor.
“Her behavior has embarrassed the entire country, and we cannot help but wonder if she possesses the virtue of temperance or prudence in public carriage.
‘It is worth noting that under Senator Akpabio’s leadership as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, many women were empowered to hold public offices. We had the first female Councillors, Chair ladies, Commissioners, Deputy Governor, and more leading public offices under his watch. The 35% affirmative action for women in public offices was best practiced during his administration, making it difficult to believe the allegations of him being non-gender friendly.
“We deeply appreciate the senators for the recent vote of confidence passed on the Senate President amidst the public outrage of the Kogi-born senator’s misdemeanor.
“This vote of confidence, which was passed during plenary on Thursday, is a testament to the Senate President’s leadership and integrity. We urge Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to follow Senate procedures and lay her facts with decency, rather than attempting to smear the hard-earned reputation of our esteemed leader.
“As youths from Akwa Ibom State, we stand in solidarity with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and urge him to continue his good work. We will not be swayed by baseless allegations and will continue to support our leader, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision. We are proud to associate with him, and we will continue to defend his honor and reputation”,it added.
