The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership has declared its unwavering support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing her as a “distinguished daughter of Northern Nigeria” whose dedication to public service must be protected from what it termed institutional suppression.
The group’s position follows renewed tension within the National Assembly, particularly during a heated budget defence session on February 11, 2026. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly staged a walkout from a Senate Committee meeting on Steel Development after a disagreement with the committee chairman over her right to question officials of the Ministry of Steel Development.
In a statement signed by its President, Amb. Abdul Danbature, the Assembly expressed what it described as unequivocal solidarity with the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
According to the statement, the senator’s advocacy for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company remains a defining testament to her commitment to economic revitalisation and industrial growth in Northern Nigeria. The group described her interventions on steel development as emblematic of “purposeful and courageous leadership” anchored on accountability and grassroots empowerment.
“The Arewa Youth Assembly stands firmly with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her pursuit of transparency and equitable development,” the statement read. “Her insistence on probing critical national assets reflects fidelity to her constitutional mandate and the yearnings of her constituents.”
The Assembly also addressed the leadership of the Senate under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging strict adherence to democratic norms and the preservation of institutional decorum.
“Democracy thrives on constructive engagement, not the suppression of dissenting voices,” the statement continued. “Leadership at the highest level demands restraint, maturity, and an unwavering commitment to justice and fairness.”
Political observers note that the development underscores growing scrutiny of legislative oversight functions and internal parliamentary dynamics. Although the Senate leadership has yet to issue a formal response to the Assembly’s statement, the episode has sparked wider conversations about transparency, legislative independence, and the role of dissent within democratic institutions.
The Arewa Youth Assembly maintained that safeguarding robust oversight mechanisms and protecting voices of accountability remain essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture.
