The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council Worldwide (NENYLCW) has called on South-South leaders to intervene in the prolonged rift between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a statement released on Friday, the youth organization expressed concern over the lingering controversy and emphasized the need for respected Niger Delta leaders to mediate the conflict.

The dispute stems from Senator Natasha's suspension from the Senate several months ago for allegedly violating Senate rules, which occurred after she made sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Akpabio.

"We feel it is time South-South leaders stepped in and resolved this matter amicably," said the NENYLCW in their statement signed by Comrade Terry Obieh (President General), Comrade Balarabe Rufai (Vice President), Mazi Okwu Nnabuike (National Publicity Secretary), Comrade Emmanuel Zopmal (Organizing Secretary), and Comrade Hamisu Muhammad Dass (Treasurer).

The youth leaders specifically called on prominent figures including former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Akwa Ibom governor Obong Victor Bassey Attah, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, and the leadership of Pan Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF) to help resolve the conflict.

"We are not ignorant of the fact that there are multiple suits in court, but the fact remains that peace will not come as a result of judicial intervention, no matter which side the scale of justice swings," the statement continued.

The organization highlighted that the people of Kogi West have been denied quality representation due to Senator Natasha's suspension, noting that despite her short time in the Senate, she had already made significant contributions.

"This is a dispute between two families that used to be together, dine and wine together. We are still optimistic that the broken fence can be mended through the intervention of these respected leaders," NENYLCW stated.

The youth council appealed to both Senate President Akpabio and Senator Natasha to embrace peace and reach a compromise for the benefit of constituents and the nation at large.

"This is why we think it is time for peace, it is time for truce," the organization concluded in their appeal.