Northern group condemns attack on Akpabio

The Alliance of Northern Development (AND) has condemned series of attacks on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling on Nigerians to show restraint, maturity, and respect for the “very institutions that sustain our democracy.” The Alliance which condemns what it called the persistent attempts by certain individuals to drag the exalted office of the Senate President […]

The Alliance of Northern Development (AND) has condemned series of attacks on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling on Nigerians to show restraint, maturity, and respect for the “very institutions that sustain our democracy.”

The Alliance which condemns what it called the persistent attempts by certain individuals to drag the exalted office of the Senate President into unnecessary controversy, added that no nation can build strong political institutions with attack on its leaders.

AND in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr. Joseph Bagudu, made available to journalists in Abuja said they have followed, with deep concern, the reckless use of social media platforms and public commentary to disparage and ridicule one of the highest institutions of Nigeria’s democracy. The Office of the Senate President which represents the collective integrity of the legislature and the voice of the people.

While describing the National Assembly as the guardian of the Constitution, and the conscience of the Republic, Bagudu said any attempt to trivialize or demean that office is, by extension, an attack on the nation itself.

He said democracy thrives on freedom of expression, but freedom must walk hand in hand with responsibility. “When private grievances or political frustrations are converted into public theatre, it degrades our values, distracts leadership, and misleads the unsuspecting public. This culture of unrestrained abuse must not be mistaken for activism; it is recklessness masquerading as free speech.

“The Alliance of Northern Development strongly condemns the persistent attempts by certain individuals to drag the exalted office of the Senate President into unnecessary controversy. No nation can build strong institutions while its citizens delight in tearing them down. We call on all Nigerians — particularly those in leadership and the media — to show restraint, maturity, and respect for the very institutions that sustain our democracy.”

The group noted that Akpabio has served Nigeria with distinction across multiple levels as Governor, Minister, and now Senate President and that his record of public service speaks for itself, adding that “The nation deserves to see its leaders supported in their mandate to govern, not distracted by endless cycles of insult and misinformation.

“We commend the Senate President for his measured composure and silence in the face of provocation. True leadership is not proven by reaction but by restraint. Those who occupy high offices must continue to lead with dignity, and we applaud him for doing so.

“The Alliance of Northern Development reiterates its unwavering support for the institution of the Senate and for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who continues to entrust key national responsibilities to experienced statesmen. We reaffirm that the North stands for stability, respect for leadership, and protection of democratic order.

“We therefore urge all well-meaning Nigerians to reject the growing trend of reckless speech and personal vendetta that threatens the moral fibre of our democracy. The time has come to draw a clear line between criticism born of conscience and agitation driven by mischief,” they said.

The group also appealed to the media to inculcate professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties, saying that a society that destroys its symbols of authority in the name of free speech only prepares the ground for chaos.

The Alliance said they stand firmly for decency, discipline, and defense of our national institutions and vowed to continue to speak out whenever the dignity of leadership is endangered and the unity of our nation put at risk.