The Arewa Renaissance Group, a socio-political organisation advocating for Northern Nigeria’s development, has strongly criticised a coalition of Northern groups for threatening to shut down federal highways. The coalition had warned of mass disruptions unless the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was reversed.

The Arewa Youth Assembly For Good Leadership (AYAGL), on Tuesday, threatened to block the Lokoja-Kaduna highway as well as occupy the National Assembly if the Senate fails to overturn the six-month suspension placed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

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The group also called on President Bola Tinubu to call the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to order.

However, in a press statement signed by its spokesperson, Mustapha Ahmad, and made available to The Guardian on Thursday, the Arewa Renaissance Group denounced the coalition’s threats as “reckless and unpatriotic,” arguing that paralysing economic activities over a Senate matter was unjustifiable.

“We are alarmed by this threat to shut down the country and block highways,” the group stated. “At this critical juncture, we cannot afford to let self-serving individuals, using press briefings to stoke political tensions, destabilise our nation.”

The group urged the coalition to adopt a more measured approach and seek a peaceful resolution. “This is not about taking sides in a dispute between two individuals,” the statement continued. “What we need is national stability—without peace, there can be no progress.”

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The Arewa Renaissance Group also reaffirmed its neutrality in political conflicts, warning against attempts to manipulate public sentiment for personal or political gain.

“We refuse to be used as pawns in advancing selfish interests,” the group said. “We see through this charade, and when the time comes, we will stand firmly for any agenda that promotes peace, harmony, and progress.”

As political tensions continue to mount, the Arewa Renaissance Group’s call for restraint underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining unity and stability in Nigeria.