Senator representing Kogi Central , Kogi state, Nigeria, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ,of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tuesday, hosted her constituients in her home Ihima community,,despite the Kogi state government’s ban on rallies and processions, saying that nobody can stop her from going to her home and she broke no law.
On arrival at her Ihima community, Okehi Local Government Area, of Kogi State, Senator Natasha who flew in a white helicopter, was received by her constituients from the five local government areas of Kogi Central Senatorial zone .
Addressing her constituients and supporters, Senator Natasha said:
“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be allowed. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not political season, this is not campaign time.
Pix: Sen Natasha addressing her constituients and supporters
“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – the Sallah with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”
Natasha returned home hours after the Kogi State Government banned public gatherings and processions, citing security threats. Subsequently, the Okehi Local Government Area chairman, Amoka Monday imposed a curfew in the area followed by a warning from the police for her to cancel the event.
She told her supporters that no one can stop her from coming home.
“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody,” she said.
The Senator had alleged that any security breach at the ceremony should be blamed on Kogi Governor Usman Ododo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
It could be recalled that Senator Natasha was given a six- month suspension following an alleged sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and her refusal to appear before Senate’s disciplinary Committee. Some people began a process for her recall, collated signatures of some of her constituents, deceiving them that it was for empowerment.They subsequently , submitted the list at the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) INEC had earlier faulted the process ,citing some irregularities in the signature collation, which was later corrected. Senator Natasha said what had happened was witch hunting.
A Kogi indigene, Saidu Abu said with the crowd seen in Natasha’s home, one wondered if the recall process was initiated by her constituients.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama